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True call, came in just now:
Caller: “I’m a lawyer in California with a client in XW (redacting state name so goons don’t come after us). We need a manager for an LLC. Do you have a COO who could sign a member LLC agreement?
InterimExecs: “You mean an interim COO? Do you have existing operations?”
Caller: “No, it’s a startup.”
InterimExecs: “Ok, well, what kind of operations are planned, how many employees, what kind of funding?”
Caller: “We need someone to sign because the state requires a member signature and they’d have to sign in all the places. In the construction industry.”
InterimExecs: “But this is an operational role?”
Caller: “No, The CEO does not want to disclose his identity.”
One Question Quiz for Executives
Q: How would you respond at this point?
a. How much will you pay?
b. Are you out of your fucking mind?
c. Your accent is interesting…what country are you actually calling from?
d. No.
Our answer: d.
We also like b. b would have been a better answer, but we were still trying to be polite.
Operating with Integrity
At InterimExecs, we take seriously our responsibility to both our clients and the amazing executives we work with. We can’t just blindly accept requests.
We need to make sure every opportunity aligns with our values:
- Transparency is key: We believe in open and honest communication with everyone involved.
- Protecting our community: We want to protect the integrity of the interim executive industry and ensure that every role is legitimate and ethical.
- Putting people first: We want to make sure our executives are set up for success, with clear roles and responsibilities.
This experience reinforced the importance of trusting your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
6 Ways to Ensure Integrity in Business
Integrity in business isn’t just about avoiding scandals (although that’s a great place to start). It’s about building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and confident that they’re doing the right thing.
Here are our favorite ways InterimExecs RED Team members demonstrate integrity in business day in and day out:
1. Be Honest, Even When It’s Hard: Let’s be real, sometimes honesty feels risky. But in the long run, it always pays off. Own your mistakes, admit when you don’t know something, and be upfront about your concerns — or, in this case, at least be willing to name the CEO.
2. Keep Your Promises: Whether it’s a deadline to a colleague or a commitment to a client, follow through on your word. Building trust is all about consistency and reliability.
3. Respect Confidentiality: In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever to respect confidential information. Whether it’s a client secret or a colleague’s personal matter, treat sensitive information with care.
4. Play Fair: Avoid cutting corners or taking shortcuts. Treat everyone fairly, whether it’s a competitor, a customer, or a colleague.
5. Speak Up When You See Something Wrong: If you witness unethical behavior, don’t ignore it. Speak up to your manager or HR department. Your voice matters!
6. Lead by Example: Integrity starts at the top. Leaders who model ethical behavior inspire their teams to do the same.
Read More:
- Top 3 Signs Your Company Can Win by Using Leadership on Demand
- What Is an Interim Executive & Is It the Right Answer for Your Company?
Are you ready for new leadership that will lead with integrity? Reach out to us for a confidential conversation about how an interim or fractional executive from the InterimExecs RED Team can transform your organization.