When Integrity Speaks Without Words

“Action speaks louder than words. It is tough to expect integrity if the leader does not show it himself."

Charlie Ongking

Portfolio Manager, Jarislowsky Fraser

MBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania

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Written by: Luke Abernathy

Reflecting on a quote contributed by Charlie Ongking for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By

In 1783, George Washington was at a crossroads that could well have decided the fate of the young United States. Many of his frustrated officers, unpaid and angry, urged him to use his influence and possibly even military force against Congress. The situation was tense enough to threaten the stability of the new nation. Washington did not respond with shouting or dramatic orders. Instead, he quietly reached for his glasses, something his soldiers had rarely seen, and said softly, “I have grown gray in your service and now find myself going blind.” His simple action revealed years of sacrifice more powerfully than any speech could.

The room shifted. The officers backed down from their plan. Washington's silent integrity accomplished what sheer anger or an order never could. His example shows a truth still well remembered today - people believe what they see rather than what they hear.

Integrity in our lives is shown through the choices we make over and over again. You can talk about respect, but if you gossip or treat people poorly, your message falls apart. You may encourage honesty, yet if you hide mistakes, trust disappears. Strong leadership shows up through small actions that match your values.

Systems matter, too. Even the well-intentioned leader struggles in an environment where expectations are murky or norms are weak. A healthy group needs individual integrity and structures that support fairness, clarity, and responsibility.

Leadership grows when words and actions match. When people see that your choices reflect your values, they follow not out of pressure but out of trust.