Ethics and Integrity: The Non-Negotiables for New Managers

As a new manager, you’ve just stepped into a position of influence. Your actions, big or small, will set the tone for your team. So here’s the deal: if you want to build real trust and respect from day one, you need to embrace two cornerstones of great leadership—ethics and integrity.

Ethics vs. Integrity: What's the Difference?

Ethics is about knowing what’s right and wrong—think of it as the guiding principles or rules we follow in our work. Integrity, on the other hand, is about living those principles every day. It’s easy to talk the talk, but integrity means you walk it, too. When you practice integrity, you’re proving that ethics isn’t just an abstract concept but something real that guides your decisions, big and small.

Why Are Ethics and Integrity Non-Negotiable?

As a leader, you have two primary goals when it comes to ethics and integrity: building trust and setting standards. People naturally follow leaders they trust. They want to know that they’re being guided by someone who does the right thing—even when no one’s watching. By practicing ethical leadership with integrity, you make it clear to your team that you value honesty, transparency, and fairness. Over time, this builds a culture where people feel safe, respected, and motivated to do their best work.

Putting Ethics and Integrity Into Practice

It’s easy to get caught up in results, but the how is just as important as the what. Here’s how you can make ethics and integrity part of your leadership DNA from day one:

1. Lead by Example

You set the standard. If you want your team to prioritize honesty, transparency, and respect, demonstrate these values yourself. Whether it's meeting a deadline, owning up to a mistake, or treating everyone with respect, your actions speak louder than words. Show your team that integrity isn’t optional—it’s essential.

2. Be Transparent—Especially When It’s Hard

Let’s say a project deadline has shifted, or there’s a change in direction. Don’t keep people in the dark. Even if the message is tough, people respect leaders who communicate openly. Transparency also means giving credit where it’s due and being honest about challenges.

3. Own Your Decisions—Good or Bad

Mistakes happen, and as a new manager, you’ll likely make a few. When you do, own them. If a call didn’t pan out, take accountability instead of shifting blame. This shows your team that integrity includes standing by your actions and learning from them. It’s okay to be human, and people will respect your honesty.

4. Prioritize Fairness in Every Decision

Integrity means treating everyone fairly. Whether you’re assigning a project, offering feedback, or giving recognition, consistency matters. Resist favoritism, and keep an even hand when handling requests or performance reviews. Fairness builds trust and ensures that your team feels valued based on merit, not favoritism.

5. Stand Up for What’s Right—Even When It’s Unpopular

Sometimes, ethics requires tough calls. Maybe there’s pressure to overlook a policy “just this once” or push through a project that doesn’t align with your values. In these moments, remember that doing the right thing is more important than taking the easy way out. Trust your gut and stand firm on principles, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Simple Examples of Everyday Integrity

• Taking Responsibility: You missed a meeting? Instead of giving excuses, acknowledge it, apologize, and follow through on what you missed.
• Transparency with Data: If you’re presenting metrics that are lower than expected, share them honestly. Spin helps no one, and teams need a true picture to improve.
• Recognizing Contributions: If someone helped you succeed, don’t take all the credit—acknowledge their role. This might seem small, but it shows integrity and boosts morale.

Building Your Legacy on Ethics and Integrity

Remember, ethics and integrity are not just “nice-to-haves.” They’re the foundation of sustainable leadership. If you can commit to practicing these values every day, you’ll not only build a loyal, motivated team—you’ll set yourself up as a leader worth following.

So here’s my challenge to you: make integrity non-negotiable. Hold yourself accountable, keep ethics at the forefront, and build a team that thrives on mutual respect and trust. In the end, you’ll be amazed at the loyalty and resilience that true integrity inspires.