When the Talk Doesn’t Match the Walk
Let’s talk about integrity in its raw form. It means being aligned. In leadership, we often say the right things, quote the values, or post the vision on the wall.
Then our actions start to drift. Not usually from malice. More often, it's distraction. Or just the messiness of real life.
I see this behavior often. Leaders who want the best for their teams get pulled into short-term fires and lose sight of the bigger why. Or teams hear inspiring words but see behavior that doesn't match.
Trust doesn’t explode. It leaks.
I call that gap—the space between intention and action—the place where culture breaks. I've learned (often the hard way) that misalignment multiplies the pain for you and everyone around you. I know when I mess up, it usually traces back to a break in intention.
Integrity also means your inner and outer lives line up. If my words and actions clash, how long before people stop trusting either? Are we fooling ourselves? Keep failing to close the gap, and you lose credibility. That’s when teams start to wonder if you mean what you say. And that’s when culture starts to sour.
Want a quick test? Ask your direct reports: "What do you think my intentions are?" If their answer doesn't match your own, there's work to do, and that work is worth it. Culture takes root when leaders stop sending mixed signals.
Where in your leadership or your team is there a gap between what you intend and what you do? What’s one small step you could take this week to bring them closer together? If that stung a little, good. It means you’re on the right path.
For the people,
Leland
✍️If you're new here, I'm Leland Sapp, CEO at Verland. I write about leadership, trust, and what it means to truly serve others. If that resonates, I’d love to have you as a subscriber.