I read about a CEO the other day, whom others characterized as exhibiting high integrity and respect for other.  It was the first time I had heard these two behaviors specifically linked and it really resonated with me.

Integrity and Respect

My first thought was, “As a unified behavior, what does this look like?”

Combining the definition of each word you get something like “Exihibiting a strong sense of honesty and morality while recognizing others  for their abilities, qualities or achievements.”

The underlying theme is being a person of good character consistently and particularly in the prescence of others.

Trust

Most likely whomever you come across clearly exhibiting these behavioural traits will engender your trust.  Trust is a foundational attribute for an exceptional leader.  While you may excel in other leadership traits there is a bar you probably cannot leap over without the trust of your followers.

In this context integrity and respect are powerful and critically important traits for those that aspire to be viewed as an exceptional leader.

Interesting to hear others describe the CEO’s behaviour this way, I think I have some new personal aspirational goals..