Capability without Calibre leads to Catastrophe
Leadership is a defining force in shaping societies, businesses, and institutions. However, history has repeatedly shown that leadership capability alone is not enough. Without calibre—not just the ability to perform with excellence, but also the strength of character, moral fibre, and resilience to uphold ethical principles—and integrity—the moral compass that guides ethical decision-making—even the most skilled leaders can cause harm.
The IOWL Global Institute for Calibre & Integrity™ (GICI) works with the IOWL Centre for Positive Value Leadership™ (CPVL) to integrate the Principles of Probity, Potency, Planet, People, Perception, and Participation, with the IOWL Positive Value Leadership™ model.
All students who pass an IOWL Positive Value Leadership assessment also gain accreditation by the GICI, permiting candidature and qualified entry to the Institute of One World Leadership® - The World's Leadership Institute®.
The Cost of Leadership Without Integrity
Throughout history, we have seen leaders with exceptional capabilities misuse their power, leading to corruption, financial ruin, and societal damage. Consider the following cases:
- Enron Scandal (2001, USA) – Enron's top executives, including CEO Jeffrey Skilling and Chairman Ken Lay, were seen as brilliant strategists. However, their lack of integrity led to fraudulent accounting practices that wiped out $74 billion in shareholder value and cost thousands their jobs and pensions.
- 1MDB Scandal (Malaysia, 2015) – Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Najib Razak was implicated in the misappropriation of billions from the 1MDB fund, revealing how high-level leadership can be used for personal gain rather than public good.
- Volkswagen Emissions Scandal (Germany, 2015) – VW, a world-leading automaker, was found to have installed software to cheat emissions tests. Leadership decisions prioritizing profit over ethical responsibility led to billions in fines and severe reputational damage.
- FIFA Corruption Case (Global, 2015) – The world’s most influential football governing body was exposed for widespread bribery and fraud, highlighting how even prestigious institutions can be tainted by unethical leadership.
These cases demonstrate that leadership capability, without integrity, can have disastrous consequences for businesses, governments, and societies.
Conversely, leaders who embody both calibre and integrity have left an indelible mark on the world:
- Paul Polman (Unilever CEO, 2009–2019) – He redefined corporate responsibility by embedding sustainability into Unilever’s business model, proving that ethical leadership can drive both profitability and social good.
- Jacinda Ardern (Former Prime Minister of New Zealand) – Her leadership, marked by empathy and decisiveness, was praised worldwide, particularly in her handling of the Christchurch mosque attack and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) – Under his leadership, Microsoft underwent a cultural transformation emphasizing collaboration, diversity, and long-term thinking, all while growing into a trillion-dollar company.
- Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway CEO) – Known for his integrity in business dealings, Buffett has consistently advocated for ethical investing and has donated the majority of his wealth to philanthropy.
Our Mission
The Global Institute for Calibre and Integrity exists to bridge this leadership gap. We are dedicated to:
- Identifying and developing leaders – who exemplify both excellence and ethical responsibility.
- Providing research and education – on leadership best practices based on global evidence.
- Championing accountability – to ensure leadership serves people and the planet, not just profits.
- Awarding Integrous Individuals – with accreditation and certifictaion, that facilitates career advantage and employer preference.
Through leadership coaching, research, and partnerships, we strive to create a world where leadership is defined not just by skill and influence, but by the unwavering commitment to ethical excellence.
Join Us
If you believe in the power of leadership with calibre and integrity, we invite you to be part of this movement. Together, we can shape the future of leadership—one defined by excellence, accountability, and ethical responsibility.
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