How Important Is Integrity?

Since I blog on leadership as one of my topics, I thought it appropriate to address integrity as it is being played out in the media as it is associated with the recently elected congressman from New York state, George Santos. If you have not heard his name or don’t follow politics at all, click on the link.

Basically, he has lied about a lot of things. His work, his education, his religion/ethnicity, etc. Maybe where the $700,000 he donated to his campaign came from.

Does it matter that he lied?

Here’s my answer to that question: Yes! Integrity is what I would say is a foundational character trait that I look for in an individual and especially someone who aspires to be a leader.

This is my personal quote, and I’ve shared many times before: “Only you can take away your integrity.” No one can make you lie. It is a choice and if there was ever a poster child for that type of choice, it could be George Santos.

God help us all if these are the types of people we elect to serve us!