Zenger Folkman Data Reveals How to Effectively Increase Honesty in Any Organization

- Zenger Folkman studied leaders rated highest in Honesty/Integrity and found eight common companion behaviors -

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Zenger Folkman

Nov 18, 2013, 10:10 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Stories of dishonesty and lack of integrity in business and politics are abundant, but examples of high integrity are sometimes hard to find. In a recent study of over 18,000 leaders, Zenger Folkman found leaders that were in the 90th percentile of effectiveness in the competency displayed high integrity and honesty. They carefully studied these leaders and found eight common behaviors that led to their ability to lead organizations in a principled way.

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"Most would assume that the only way to increase honesty is to 'be more honest.' The problem is there is no action plan or defined way to improve," explained Dr. Joseph Folkman, President of Zenger Folkman. "We have found that working on companion behaviors statistically correlated to honesty assist the leader to be perceived as substantially more honest by their peers and direct reports."

Developing these specific companion behaviors offers leaders a clear path to move from good to great in displaying high honesty and integrity. Leaders ranking highest in honesty and integrity exemplified strengths in several but not all eight companion behaviors.

  • Concern and consideration for others
  • Trust
  • Positive optimism
  • Assertiveness
  • Inspires and motivates others
  • Drives for results
  • Deals with ambiguity
  • Decisiveness

"The good news is you don't need to be perfect at all of the companion behaviors; in fact, you can improve on two of them to increase honesty and integrity," said Jack Zenger, CEO of Zenger Folkman. "Every individual and organization can greatly benefit from increasing the level of honesty and integrity."

To learn about how to increase honesty and integrity attend Joe Folkman's webinar, How To Make People More Honest https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/403961682 , on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. For more information on these findings, and how to incorporate them into a leadership development plan, visit www.zengerfolkman.com.

About Zenger Folkman:
Zenger Folkman is the authority in strengths-based leadership development. Their award-winning programs employ research-based methods that improve organizations and turn good managers into extraordinary leaders.

SOURCE Zenger Folkman