Building a Culture of Trust: What Real Leaders Do When It Matters Most

One compelling example of ethical leadership under scrutiny occurred in Bell, California, where a financial scandal exposed city officials' misuse of public funds. In the aftermath, interim City Manager Pedro Carrillo was brought in to stabilize the situation. Rather than simply manage the fallout, Carrillo prioritized transparency by releasing financial documents to the public and restructuring city operations. He invited community members into budget discussions, demonstrating a commitment to shared governance and ethical restoration. This act of openness helped reestablish trust between residents and city leadership, showing how decisive, ethical action can rebuild credibility even in crisis situations¹.

Another noteworthy example is the leadership shown by Minneapolis City Council members following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Faced with national attention and local unrest, several leaders, including Council President Lisa Bender, made the bold decision to reexamine the city’s approach to policing. While controversial, their transparency in acknowledging systemic failures and willingness to engage the public in policy reform discussions reflected an ethical commitment to justice and equity. Although the process remains ongoing, their actions illustrate the courage required to lead ethically when political pressures are high and public trust is fragile².

Building a Culture of Accountability and Credibility

Leading with integrity is not a solitary act but a sustained organizational effort. Leaders can encourage accountability by embedding ethical expectations into hiring practices, performance evaluations, and routine operations. For example, Washington, DC's Office of the Inspector General established an Integrity Committee that conducts regular ethics trainings and reviews internal practices to ensure compliance with public service standards. This proactive approach supports a culture where accountability is part of the operational fabric, rather than a reactive measure³.

Another effective strategy is fostering psychological safety within teams. When employees feel safe to raise concerns without fear of retaliation, they are more likely to speak up about unethical behavior. Leaders play a key role by modeling vulnerability and admitting mistakes openly. According to research from the Harvard Kennedy School, city departments that hosted regular ethics roundtables and open forums saw a measurable increase in staff reporting issues early and constructively addressing them before escalation⁴. These practices not only prevent ethical lapses but also build the internal credibility necessary for high-functioning public organizations.

Practical Steps for Strengthening Ethical Leadership

To lead with integrity, city officials should adopt a routine of ethical self-assessment. Periodically reflecting on decision-making processes, stakeholder impact, and transparency can help