May 10, 2022  

Integrity (and All Its Parts)

All we have been discussing in these first few issues of Weekly TRUTH up to now (the meaning of truth, leadership, mission & vocation) leads us to INTEGRITY. Without it there is no trust and therefore, no leadership. Think about how you can execute your mission, to help others in a very specific way, in each of your vocations and track your successes. This is the process of how you practice integrity and measure it. Have you thought about this before? Does it make sense? Why? It makes sense to me because I struggle with integration daily. It’s the source of our undoing or disintegration. What does this struggle look like? It often results in being defined by work or lack of awareness of double standards or struggling to find peace. While you may be able to be disintegrated and lead, you’re obviously not going to reach your potential. What’s the process of leading in a way so different from that of the world, that you actually change it? You must understand the definitions of the language:
  • Truth
  • Purpose
  • Mission
  • Vocation
  • Integrity
Also, know the process and metrics: you pursue helping other people in each vocation (not just work). Over time you’ll recognize the specific way you’re meant to help others—which is the Truth about you. The truth about you is that everyone was born to lead, which brings us back to our definition of authentic leadership. Truth Seekers participate in leadership strength training to achieve authentic leadership. Be a leader we call a Truth Seeker. Do things that help you stay close to the truth. Leadership and decision making depend on the truth.

This article was last modified on January 3, 2023 .

About the author 

Darren Smith

Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.


Tags


You may also like

2026: At the Precipice of Greatness | WT #138

As we share this final Weekly Truth of the year, we do so from a meaningful threshold. The past five years have been a season of careful formation, and now we stand at the precipice—looking forward with gratitude, patience, and quiet confidence in what is being shaped.

Read More

The C-Suite of Learning | WT #137

Jim Keyes’ “C-Suite of Learning” offers a roadmap for authentic leadership grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and character. This week’s truth explores how leaders move from intelligence to wisdom — and why lifelong learning is essential to sustaining personal freedom, integrity, and democratic responsibility.

Read More