Leading Teams with Integrity: Advice from Leadership Experts (Collection)

Chapter Three Play By the Rules

Compete fiercely and fairly—but no cutting in line.

Which rules we honor and which we ignore determine personal character, and it is character that determines how closely we will allow our value system to affect our lives.

Early on, infused with moral purpose by those who influenced us, we learned what counted and what did not. The Golden Rule, proper table manners, respecting others, good sportsmanship, telling the truth, not to mention those often-verbalized codes of schools, clubs, and churches—no cutting in line, eat everything on your plate, respect, helping those in need, and sharing—became the foundation of our character.

Character is most determined by integrity and courage. Your reputation is how others ...