Which one wins, which one is more important…

When I arrived in a leadership role to head a company of the group, my first assignment was to put together a turn-around plan. The company had been losing money for several years and I was following two other presidents that were not successful in making a profit. My turn-around plan included among other actions lay-offs, which meant I had to get the approval of the company union.

Following my presentation, the union head approached me and said that although my talk was one of the best he’d ever heard, in his experience with my predecessors, there was always a “but”. So why should he believe my plan was any different? Why would it work when others had failed?

It was a tough question! I could only answer it honestly, “I do not know why the previous plans did not work,” I replied, “but let me tell you this. As a new president my contract provides me with a new company car, but in view of our losses, I decided that the new company car would have to wait until we were profitable again. That's who I am.”

The union head with the two other members of the union leadership stood up, thanked me and came forward to shake my hand saying: "We have a deal... we will back your plan up.”

How did I win the trust of the union head that day? I won his trust because my actions demonstrated what I believed. He responded positively to my character versus my qualifications as the new leader.

Does this mean that experience is not important in a leader? Experience, education and leadership talents are of course important, but in my opinion, they are secondary to character. Of all the leadership traits, being trustworthy and possessing integrity always tops the list for me. Only then will people follow you.

Peter Druker, noted business guru, said it best. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. Through his vast experience in business and leadership, Druker found that regardless of its products or services, no company flourishes if its employees don’t embrace a common set of values. Those values are continually demonstrated through behaviour, from the president right down to the mail clerk. Companies may win in the short term, but eventually, lack of integrity catches up with them and the fall can be legendary!

A good leader creates an environment/culture where truth and openness are respected, encouraged, and rewarded. Be authentic (straightforward) and never punish honesty. State your values and stay true to them (walk the talk). Integrity is a state of mind. It does not depend on context. It does not depend on how big or small the situation is. It doesn’t change even when others are treating you unfairly or expecting more than you can possibly deliver. There should be no exceptions to honesty and integrity.

Like my experience with the union, integrity can’t be adjusted even when there’s a new car at stake! Character always matters. And by the way, the plan worked, and the company went on to become one of the top performers in the Group.