Ethical Leaders Demonstrate Both Character and Integrity

By Linda Fisher Thornton

Sometimes the terms Character and Integrity are used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. Let’s take a look at the two terms and how they are related.

Character is the broader of the two terms, and is about staying grounded in moral values and ethical awareness. This includes considering one’s impact on a wide variety of constituents, and keeping decision making grounded in ethical values.

Integrity involves complete alignment between what a leader thinks, says and does. It requires transparency about one’s decision making process. Showing integrity as a leader means that those you lead and serve can rely on you to put into practice what you say is important.

While Character and Integrity are very different things, they are BOTH important for leaders to demonstrate in their daily decision, actions, and words.

Here is a collection of articles that describe some of the nuances of leading with character and integrity: