Choosing Integrity in Leadership: Why Doing the Right Thing Isn’t Always Easy — But Always Worth It

By Dr. Brian D. Wickstrom

Leadership is often romanticized. People picture the big office, the confident decisions, the smooth execution of a vision. And while those moments absolutely exist, they tell only a fraction of the story.

The truth is this:
Leadership is filled with moments where the right decision is also the hardest decision — and sometimes the least popular one.

I’ve learned this across higher education, athletics administration, business leadership, and now in my role helping teams grow, stabilize, and pursue excellence. The environments may change, but the principle stays the same:

Integrity is the foundation. Without it, everything else eventually collapses.

The Uncomfortable Reality of Doing the Right Thing

People assume integrity is a simple choice — that all it requires is wanting to be a good person. In reality, choosing integrity means:

• Taking responsibility when it would be easier to blame

• Making decisions that may cost you in the short term

• Being transparent when silence would be safer

• Standing firm in your values even when others disagree

• Protecting people, even when it puts you in the spotlight

• Telling the truth when it creates friction

These are not easy decisions. Sometimes they come with consequences. But in the long run, they always build trust, respect, and credibility.

I’ve made tough calls that were misunderstood in the moment — decisions to protect students, safeguard finances, advocate for staff, or reinforce ethical standards. What I’ve learned is that people may not appreciate integrity in real time, but they always respect it over time.

Why Values Must Lead the Way

There have been moments in my career — especially in high-pressure environments like athletics, education, and corporate operations — when the “fast option” was tempting. But here’s what experience has taught me:

Shortcuts eventually cost more than they save.

Values must guide the way, even when:

• There’s pressure to move quickly

• Opinions are divided

• You’re navigating transitions

• The easier option is to stay quiet or step back

When values lead, clarity emerges. And when clarity emerges, teams move forward with confidence.

Integrity Builds Stronger Teams

One of the greatest myths in leadership is that people want perfection.

They don’t.
They want honesty.
They want fairness.
They want someone they can count on, even when the path gets tough.

Teams can forgive mistakes — they cannot forgive deception.

Leaders who operate with integrity:

• Make expectations clear

• Build environments where people feel safe and respected

• Create cultures of accountability rather than fear

• Model the behavior they expect from others

Over time, this produces high-performing teams who trust the process and each other.

Integrity Through Transitions & Challenges

Every leader faces seasons where decisions are scrutinized or misunderstood. I’ve been through transitions myself — some expected, some challenging, some filled with opportunities to grow.

Through it all, one truth has never changed:

Integrity is the compass that keeps you from losing your direction.

Even during difficult moments, you can walk forward knowing:

• You protected the people you were responsible for

• You acted with transparency

• You made decisions for the long-term good

• You honored your commitments

• You stayed rooted in your values

Some lessons are learned on podiums. Others are learned in quieter moments of reflection. Both shape the leader you become.

The Legacy of Integrity

At the end of a career — and a life — people don’t remember your titles.
They remember how you treated them.
They remember whether you showed up with courage.
They remember whether you honored your word.
They remember your character.

Integrity is the legacy that lasts far beyond any resume line.

As leaders, we owe it to ourselves — and to those we serve — to make the right choice even when it’s the hardest choice. Because while integrity may cost you something today, it protects everything that really matters tomorrow.

Further Reading

• Leadership Through Personal Accountability
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/leadership-through-personal-accountability

• Ethical Leadership & Organizational Trust
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/ethical-leadership-accountability

• Executive Leadership Philosophy
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/executive-leadership-philosophy

Look at these two articles from my experience at St. John Bosco:

https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/articles/st-john-bosco-student-centered-leadership-wickstrom

https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/articles/st-john-bosco-operational-excellence-wickstrom