The Integrity Game: How Leaders Can Align Words with Actions
Why Integrity Is More Than Just Keeping Your Word
Most businesses and leaders list integrity as a core value. But how often do they actually define it?
Many assume integrity means:
- “Doing what you say you’ll do.”
- “Acting the same whether people are watching or not.”
While these are part of integrity, they miss a bigger truth.
In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Jeffrey Klubeck, author of The Integrity Game, explains why accountability feels like an attack, how integrity goes beyond words, and why businesses struggle to create real alignment.
The Two Myths About Integrity
- Integrity is just keeping your word.
Many people believe that if they stick to their word, they have integrity. But what if their commitments aren’t aligned with their real values?
Integrity isn’t just about promises—it’s about alignment. A person or organization with integrity aligns their values, words, and actions at all times.
- Integrity is about doing the right thing when no one is watching.
This definition focuses on personal integrity but ignores the systemic challenges businesses face.
A company that lists integrity as a core value but doesn’t hold people accountable for meeting deadlines, treating employees fairly, or following through on commitments isn’t actually operating with integrity.
Why Accountability Feels Like an Attack
Many employees and leaders resist accountability. Why?
Because it forces them to acknowledge when their actions don’t align with their words.
- When someone says, “You didn’t follow through on this project,” the immediate reaction is often defensive. But real integrity means:
Taking responsibility for your actions - Being open to constructive feedback
- Aligning words and behaviors
Jeffrey shares how businesses can reframe accountability so it’s not seen as a punishment but a tool for growth.
How Leaders Can Build a Culture of Integrity
Most companies claim integrity as a core value, but few have systems in place to enforce it.
Steps to Create a Culture of Integrity:
- Clearly define integrity in your business. What does it look like in practice?
- Hold leaders accountable first. If executives don’t model integrity, employees won’t either.
- Measure integrity with behavior, not words. Track performance, follow-through, and accountability—not just statements about values.
Final Thoughts: Integrity Is an Action, Not a Statement
Success in business isn’t just about saying the right things—it’s about doing them consistently.
If your team struggles with alignment, accountability, or execution, this episode will help you create a culture where words and actions match.
🔊 Listen to the full episode with Jeffrey now and start playing The Integrity Game.
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