Leading with Integrity: Progress Over Perfection

As I step into this season of campaigning for an elected role in our community, I find myself returning to the foundation of what matters most: honesty and integrity. These are my non-negotiables—the values I refuse to compromise.

Leadership, whether in organizations I’ve led, as an executive coach, or now as a candidate, always carries a sobering truth: you never know everything until you’re in the role. There are details unseen by the public, conversations that remain confidential, and complexities that only come into focus once you step inside.

This recognition is both humbling and grounding. The initiatives I believe I can influence—or the changes I want to champion—may not always be possible in the exact ways I imagine. That doesn’t make the work less meaningful. It simply reminds me that leadership is not about arriving at a place of perfect knowledge or perfect control. Instead, it’s about showing up authentically, staying open, and allowing growth to shape you along the way.

Leadership Rooted in Values

As a Christian and as a leader, I believe we are called to be vulnerable enough to admit we don’t have all the answers, and courageous enough to stay aligned with our values—even when it’s difficult.

Great leaders are not those who pretend to have it all figured out. Great leaders are those who:

• Admit mistakes without fear of losing credibility.

• Create space for diverse voices at the table.

• Humbly acknowledge their limits.

• Invite others to be “gap fillers,” contributing their talents, skills, and knowledge to move the organization—or community—forward.

  
  

Progress, Not Perfection

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about faithfully showing up, rooted in values, willing to learn, and committed to collective growth.

I hold fast to this truth: authentic leadership requires integrity, humility, and a willingness to keep learning.

Reflective Questions for All Leaders

As I continue this journey, I invite you to reflect on these questions alongside me:

• What are my non-negotiables—those core values I will not compromise, no matter the role or circumstance?

• How do I create space for others’ voices, especially those who see the world differently than I do?

• In what ways can I practice humility as a leader, acknowledging what I don’t know and staying open to learning?

• Am I striving for perfection, or am I faithfully committed to progress?

  
  

At the end of the day, leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about the courage to lead with integrity, the humility to keep learning, and the wisdom to invite others along the journey.