He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. (Proverbs 10:9 NKJV)
Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed. (Proverbs 10:9 MSG)
As a leader, how would your followers describe you? Proverbs 10:9 describes two extremes of what of person or leader can be. Would your followers say you’re a leader of integrity and honesty, or would they say you have corrupt ways (perverse) or that you’re shifty?
Don’t be mistaken, your followers have an opinion about you as a leader. It all depends on how you walk. What I mean is, every leader has a way of processing information, making decisions, delegating, and managing their teams. The way you do these things and your motives behind them reveal your true nature.
If you’re chronically late, ill prepared, unengaged, self-centered, greedy, resentful, or hateful, they know it. If you only delegate things you hate to do, or you needlessly take all the credit for team success, they know it.
All leaders are exposed no matter how hard we may try to cover our flaws. Ultimately, we will either become leaders people are forced to follow or leaders they want to follow. What can we do about it?
Start by leading yourself well. Read leadership content, attend leadership events, and surround yourself with great leaders. Evaluate yourself regularly. Then allow your peers and team members to evaluate you as well. Honest feedback will help you identify the places where you need to focus and grow.
As your teams see you growing, they will give you more grace concerning your flaws and be more willing to follow you. Growing leaders are worth following.