“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

Travis Kalanick resigned as CEO of Uber last week. Some would argue this was a result of increasingly erratic “bad-boy” behaviour, potentially exacerbated by the recent death of his mother.

I would argue that Uber’s business model, built on an army of lawyers and a caustic culture of “ethically and legally questionable practices” is the real culprit that propelled its founder’s exit.

Because he is responsible for having birthed that culture.

The head of the snake is Kalanick, proving, once again, that the leader of any organization is ultimately responsible for creating and sustaining a culture of integrity built on best practices.

Travis may be held up as a model for future entrepreneurs. One could argue that the man who built a company valued at 70 B is worth emulating.

I would argue that there are more important measurements.

Integrity is one. Character, another.

They are the pillars of great leadership.

And will outlast company valuation any day in the long run.

Whether you are a CEO or father or mother or teacher or friend, remember that you are responsible for the culture you create.

Anywhere and everywhere.