Abraham Lincoln, he was called “Honest Abe” for a reason – he didn’t want to lie. He certainly was a man who stood up for his convictions. You can be just like him, as far as his integrity goes. Here are some tips for good leaders:

Build Relationships with Honest People

You no doubt already know quite a few honest people. Whether they are friends, co-workers, neighbors, or even family members – now is the time to build a stronger relationship with them. Surrounding yourself with honest people gives you more than strength in numbers, it provides you with plenty of positive role models.

Don’t Give In

Honesty is about more than telling the truth. It’s also about sticking to your convictions. Don’t give in when faced with a compromising situation. Instead, stand strong and refuse to do anything that is against your personal moral code. In order to be truly honest, you must be able to resist pressure from others.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

At some point, you might be asked to do something that seems “fishy.” Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the task. People with something to hide will evade your questions and come up with unsatisfactory answers. After assessing the situation, if you don’t feel comfortable taking on the job or client, have the courage to say no.

Be Honest

Simply put – be honest! Don’t lie to cover for others or yourself, make sure to say what’s on your mind, and be truthful all of the time. Strong teams are honest teams.

Admit Your Mistakes

When you make a mistake or do something wrong, admit it and be prepared for the consequences. Don’t hide your actions, don’t try to cover them up, or manipulate the facts about what happened. Instead, use the situation as a time to learn and grow.

A person of integrity knows the right thing, says the right thing, and does the right thing.