Who do you choose to be when no one is watching?
Research consistently shows that integrity is the #1 defining difference between good and bad leaders. It’s the foundation upon which all other leadership qualities are built. This week, we’ll explore what it truly means to be true to character, discover why integrity creates unshakeable leadership, and meet a leader whose unwavering character transformed an entire industry.
Productivity Tip: Be True To Character
Being true to character means consistently aligning your actions, decisions, and behavior with your core values and moral compass, especially when it’s difficult or costly. True character isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity, consistency, and the courage to do what’s right even when no one is looking.
Studies show that 75% of employees would rather work for a leader with strong character than one who delivers superior results through questionable means.
This is the short of it: when leaders operate with integrity, they build unshakeable trust, teams know what to expect, decisions become predictable and fair, and people feel safe to take risks and share ideas. By building a culture of trust, integrity, and respect, managers create a climate that fosters collaboration, positive thinking, and energy. Without integrity, leaders may achieve short-term wins, but they inevitably face long-term failure.
We’ve come to call Benjamin Franklin’s system the “success rhythm.” Look at the impact it had on his life — and it can have the same impact on your life!
Case Study: Yvon Chouinard
Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, has spent decades proving that character-driven leadership creates both purpose and profit. When he discovered that Patagonia’s cotton suppliers were using environmentally harmful practices, he could have quietly switched suppliers to protect margins.
Instead, Chouinard made character-driven decisions that seemed costly: he publicly acknowledged the problem, invested millions in organic cotton research, and raised prices to reflect true environmental costs. Critics predicted customers would abandon the brand.
The opposite happened. Patagonia’s radical transparency and commitment to environmental values attracted fiercely loyal customers. The company grew from $100 million to over $1 billion in revenue while maintaining industry-leading employee satisfaction and environmental standards.
Chouinard’s ultimate character test came in 2022 when he donated the entire company—worth $3 billion—to fight climate change rather than sell or go public. His decision proved that leaders true to character create legacies far beyond financial success.
So, Now What?
Want to build unshakeable character? Start by identifying your core values. Write down 5-7 principles that define who you are at your best—things like honesty, courage, compassion, or excellence. These become your non-negotiables.
Create a character accountability system. At the end of each day, ask yourself: “Did I act in alignment with my values today? Where did I compromise? What will I do differently tomorrow?”This daily reflection builds character muscle over time.
Practice the “newspaper test”—before making decisions, ask yourself if you’d be comfortable seeing your choice on the front page of your local newspaper. If not, reconsider your approach.
Finally, remember that character is built through small, daily choices. Every time you choose truth over convenience, principle over profit, or courage over comfort, you’re strengthening the foundation of your leadership.
So, define your values, create accountability, apply the newspaper test, and make character-building choices daily. That’s being true to character. That’s becoming your best!
“How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.”
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