I was asked the other day what is the most important challenge facing leaders in the 21st century. It is integrity.
Without a doubt, the two most disheartening developments in the modern era of leadership in America are:
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The lack of focus on integrity. The willingness of too many Boards of Directors and senior leaders to pursue personal and self-serving interests instead of adhering to the mission and stated values and focusing on best serving customers and supporting employees.
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The absence of accountability. Too many organizations lack the necessary internal and external checks and balances needed to protect the integrity of the enterprise and the trust that customers and employees place in it. This creates the conditions for predictable scandal and once trust is gone, it’s gone.