All of the leaders to whom we spoke stated that character counts in leaderships and that integrity is one of its central ingredients, most said it was the chief ingredient.

“Integrity” frequently appears in the corporate mission and value statements, even with in the most reviled and ethically suspect companies.  As Vanguard’s founder “Jack” Bogle says, “One hundred percent of CEOs will tell you that integrity matters, but a much smaller percent mean it.”

While most CEOs say the value integrity, surveys show that less than fifty percent of employees believe it.The distinguishing feature of companies that espouse integrity is that they make it clear that it really matters and are prepared to act on their principles.

Warren Buffet summed it up best in mentioning three things required for success: integrity, intelligence and energy.  He adds that if you are missing the first, the other two will kill you. 

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