I was recently asked during an interview what it means to lead with integrity. Leading with integrity is what I consider to be one of the most important aspects of leadership. One cannot be an effective leader if they are not able to be honest in their decision making at all times. For me, leading with integrity is not just being honest in my decisions and actions, but it is being an individual that is trustworthy and able to always make the right decision even if it is the difficult one. A leader’s integrity is challenged every day, but if they are someone with a good heart and sincere intentions, then they are able to always make the right decisions.

I stumbled upon a great quote by Michelle Obama last week. It reads, “We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.” I think this quote truly embodies the importance and value of integrity. Success to an individual is essential for humans to live life with purpose, but how can one be successful if, at the end of the day, they did not achieve it without ethics and values?

As students of The Pennsylvania State University, it is necessary that we always lead with true integrity and stay truthful. Not only is it essential that we do this, but we need to encourage others to do the same. Penn State provides so much for its students to grow and discover their abilities, so it is every students’ duty to respect this institution and lead with true authenticity. Every student should feel empowered to be their authentic self, therefore always speaking the truth and holding themselves to highest standards.

I will leave you with one last quote by Samuel Johnson – “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”