A Student of Leadership - Where Great Leaders are Made, One Habit at a Time!

Hello, and welcome to A Student of Leadership. The podcast that uncovers the secrets of exceptional leaders. Join host Rob Adams as he explores the critical habits and practices that define leadership greatness. One transformative episode at a time. From cultivating a compelling vision to embodying courage, empathy, accountability, and resilience, you'll gain the tools and insights to elevate your leadership impact no matter where you are on your journey.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or stepping into your first leadership role, each conversation will inspire and equip you to become the leader you were always meant to be. Let's dive in.

Welcome back to A Student of Leadership where great leaders are made one habit at a time. I'm Rob Adams, and today we're diving into one of the most foundational elements of leadership, integrity. Integrity is the cornerstone of trust and credibility. Without it, leadership falters. It's not just about honesty, it's about consistently aligning your actions with your values, even when it's inconvenient or difficult.

In this episode, we'll explore what it means to lead with integrity and how this habit creates unshakable trust and loyalty. One powerful example of integrity in action comes from the former PepsiCo CEO, Indra Nooyi. Known for her strong ethical principles, Nooyi often spoke about performance with purpose. She faced significant pushback when she implemented sustainability goals that initially seemed to hinder profitability. But her unwavering commitment to these principles earned her the trust of the employees and stakeholders alike, ultimately leading to long term success for PepsiCo.

Newey's commitment to integrity was not a singular act, but a consistent habit that defined her leadership and ultimately drove PepsiCo's success. Her leadership proved that staying true to one's values, even under pressure, fosters both credibility and lasting impact. This story highlights that integrity is about doing the right thing, not the easy thing, and how that builds a foundation of trust that leaders need to succeed. Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, the supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity.

Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in any office. As Eisenhower suggests, integrity is a timeless and context free leadership quality. Whether you're leading a small team or a global organization in the military or in business, integrity is the foundation of effective leadership. Ask yourself these three reflection questions. When was the last time you faced a difficult decision that tested your integrity?

How did you respond? Do your daily actions consistently align with the values you claim to hold? And how do you model integrity for your team or your organization? According to a 2019 study by the Center of Creative Leadership titled the state of leadership development, leaders who demonstrate integrity increase in organizational trust by 85%, which translates to higher engagement, better decision making, and stronger team performance. Now here are 3 ways to lead with integrity every single day.

Number 1, set clear standards. Define your personal and organizational values. Communicate these clearly to your team so everyone understands the principles that guide the decisions. Number 2, hold yourself accountable. Admit mistakes openly and take responsibility for your actions.

This vulnerability strengthens your credibility. Number 3, make values based decisions. When faced with tough choices, let your values guide you. Prioritize doing the right thing over short term gains. Remember, integrity is not about perfect adherence to values but about consistently striving to align your actions with your principles.

It's the ongoing habit of integrity that builds trust over time. Now here is your action challenge for this week. Reflect on a recent decision you made as a leader. Was it fully aligned with your values? And if not, think about what you would do differently the next time and commit to acting with integrity in your next leadership challenge.

Integrity is the glue that holds leadership together. It's how you build trust, earn loyalty, and create a culture where people feel secure and inspired to do their best work. As you tackle this week's action challenge, remember, every small act of integrity strengthens your leadership foundation. Integrity, like all leadership qualities, is a muscle that strengthens with regular exercise. By consistently choosing to lead with integrity, you're developing a habit that will serve you and your team in any leadership context.

Next week, we'll continue our journey with the theme of empathy. We'll explore how understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level elevates your ability to lead effectively. Until then, keep practicing the habits that make great leaders and remember great leaders are made one habit at a time. See you next time on A Student of Leadership. Take care, everybody.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of A Student of Leadership. If you liked what you heard, then be sure to subscribe and share with like minded people. Have a burning question for Rob or a topic you'd love him to discuss on the show? Get in touch on socials. We'd love to hear from you.

We'll see you next time. And remember, great leaders are made one habit at a time.