“Letters from Leaders:” Your Reputation and Integrity are Everything

Below is an excerpt from Maria Razumich-Zec’s letter published in Letters from Leaders: Personal Advice for Tomorrow’s Leaders from the World’s Most Influential People.  Razumich-Zec’s words eloquently address the importance of reputation and integrity in business and the role of leadership.  At the time of this writing, she served as general managing director of the New York Palace Hotel.


I offer these thoughts as a welcome to my fall quarter students. Exploring the theory and practice of successful leadership with you will be my privilege and my pleasure. I’m looking forward to an engaging semester!

Charlene Blockinger, Ed.D.

Throughout my life I have been inspired by my family, friends and colleagues.  The following are some of the principles that have guided me in my career and life.

1. Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you’re going to do.  Your credibility can only be built over time, and it is built from the history of your words and actions.

2. Respond to people in a timely manner; this shows respect and responsibility.

3. Be nice and treat all individuals with respect, no matter what place or position they hold.

4. Take on additional responsibility wherever and whenever possible.

5. Dress and act for the position you aspire to have; soon others will see you in that role and the promotion will follow.

6. Approach situations with an open mind. Have no expectations, but rather abundant expectancy.

7. Listen to your gut. If something internally feels right or feels wrong to you, it probably is, so listen to your inner voice. Ask questions of yourself and be true to yourself. Know who you are and what you want, and let this mantra guide you through your life.

8. Have empathy for others. To have compassion is human and humbling.

9. It’s important to give back to the community in which you live and work.

10. Attitude is EVERYTHING. Be positive, optimistic, engaging, spirited. You’ll reap the rewards tenfold.

Letters from Leaders highlights excerpts from Letters from Leaders: Personal Advice for Tomorrow’s Leaders from the World’s Most Influential People, compiled by Henry O. Dormann, who says of leaders: “Some leave money, others leave inspiration. Many leave both. But all are anxious for young people to learn from their successes and even their failures.”

Announced through LinkedIn 9/30/2016