When it comes to building and preserving a reputation, integrity is everything — integrity in what we do, of course, but also in what we say.
So here’s a quick guide to help you communicate with integrity.
Do What You Say
Failing to deliver on a promise or commitment can wreck a reputation. So make sure to always do what you say you’re going to do.
The best way to accomplish that, of course, is to avoid over-committing yourself in the first place. It may feel right to say yes to every opportunity, but you could be setting yourself up for failure.
So before making a promise, make sure you really have the time and ability to carry it out. And learn how to say no. (Tactfully, of course.)
Don’t Gossip
I’ll never forget an experience I had as a student performing at Second City’s training center. In the very first rehearsal for a new sketch show, the director said:
“One thing I won’t tolerate is anyone speaking negatively about their castmates. Whether it’s backstage, at the bar afterwards, or even in private with your girlfriend or boyfriend, don’t do it.”
That really struck me. Gossip is not just corrosive to teamwork; engaging in it quickly becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Once you express negativity about a person, that becomes the lens though which you judge their every statement and action.
Plus it’s just plain unprofessional. It’s not what leaders do.
A good guideline I learned from a former boss is to never say anything about someone that you wouldn’t say to their face. Which, of course, affects how you say it.
Speak Up
If something’s bothering you in the workplace, instead of just complaining about it to others, put yourself in front of the person who can actually do something about it and make your views heard.
When I’ve counseled friends and colleagues to take their concerns to their manager, they sometimes come up with reasons why it’s risky or won’t work. So the issue just festers.
Confrontation can be hard, but it’s necessary. So go in and have that frank (and diplomatic!) conversation about your concerns. A problem can never be solved if it isn’t raised.
Be Honest, Even in Hard Conversations
It’s probably a terrible idea to cite the Godfather films as a model of good communication, but here I go anyway!
Years ago I worked in a place that was riven with conflict. Every day I had to have difficult confrontations with people internally and externally.
Believe it or not, what got me through that period was repeated viewings of “The Godfather Part II.” It taught me that in a tough conversation it’s best to stay calm and rise above emotion (with the exception, perhaps, of empathy). To speak in terms of actions and outcomes instead of perceived motivations. To be clear and firm and to level with people.
As Michael Corleone said, “It’s not personal, it’s business.”
Accept Responsibility
Smart, secure leaders admit when they’re wrong and acknowledge mistakes. So readily accept responsibility. It shows you’re open, human and not evasive.
In fact, sometimes I over-accept responsibility. Team members see that and appreciate it.
Speak Up
This is so important I’m saying it twice. But here it’s for a different purpose. Go into meetings ready to speak up when you have something to say. (And if you’re truly engaged, you should almost always have something to say.)
Even if you’re new or less experienced or not an expert on an issue, contribute what you know or offer your viewpoint. Certainly you can couch and qualify your remarks — “I may not know the whole backstory, but as an outsider it seems to me …” or “I know I’m new here, but have we ever tried [blank]?”
Maybe it’s wrong-headed or just plain chutzpah, but even when I was an intern I never hesitated to contribute my two cents. When I thought of leadership, I didn’t think in terms of “them” but “us.”
Communicate with Integrity to be a Better Leader
It’s never too early to lead. And integrity is one of the hallmarks of an emerging leader.
[A version of this post originally ran in PRSA’s Strategies & Tactics.]
[Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash]