Playing The Integrity Game with Jeff Klubeck

What does integrity really mean? It’s a word we throw around often, but in reality, integrity is a deep, ongoing process of aligning values with actions. In this episode, we talk with Jeff Klubeck, an expert in leadership development, accountability, and coaching, who has built a 10-point model called The Integrity Game to help leaders and teams live with greater integrity and accountability. He is also the author of the book, The Integrity Game.

The Power of Integrity in Leadership

At its core, Jeff explains that integrity isn’t just about doing what you say—it’s about understanding why you say it in the first place.

Transactional integrity is doing what you say you’re going to do, but transformational integrity asks—why did you say you were going to do it?

Jeff challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level and dig deeper into their values, commitments, and sense of purpose. Integrity isn’t just about honesty; it’s about being in alignment with your personal and professional mission.

How Accountability and Integrity Work Together

One of Jeff’s specialties is helping organizations develop accountability frameworks that feel safe, engaging, and non-threatening. Many people fear accountability because they associate it with punishment, but Jeff reframes it as an opportunity for growth and trust-building.

We judge ourselves by intent, but the world judges us by our behavior.

By creating an environment where people can openly reflect on their actions and commitments, accountability becomes a tool for success rather than something to avoid.

The Integrity Game: A 10-Point Model for Growth

The Integrity Game is built on 10 key components, which help individuals and teams assess their integrity and take actionable steps toward improvement. While we didn’t cover all ten in the episode, some key questions from the model include:

• What is your purpose? Why do you do what you do?
• What are your gifts and strengths? How do they contribute to your goals?
• What are your SMART goals? Are they aligned with your values and potential?
• How do you handle accountability? Do you invite it, avoid it, or fear it?

Each of these elements serves as a “checkpoint,” ensuring that actions and decisions are rooted in a clear sense of purpose and responsibility.

A Real-World Example

One of Jeff’s most impactful coaching experiences involved a law firm partner who, after years of working with his firm, realized he no longer wanted to practice law.

He was miserable inside, and it was affecting the whole firm. But once he had the space to be honest, it freed him—and everyone around him—to make better decisions.

This breakthrough moment underscores the power of integrity in leadership—being honest with yourself and others can lead to better alignment, healthier workplaces, and stronger relationships.

Takeaways for Leaders & Teams

If you want to strengthen your integrity and accountability, here are a few actionable steps from Jeff’s model:

1. Define Your Purpose – Take time to articulate why you do what you do. Clarity of purpose builds long-term integrity.
2. Assess Your Actions – Regularly check if your behavior aligns with your values and commitments.
3. Embrace Accountability – Create a safe and open culture where accountability isn’t about blame but about growth and alignment.
4. Use Integrity as a Leadership Tool – Don’t just expect it from others—model it through consistent, transparent leadership.
5. Keep Growing – Integrity isn’t a one-time achievement. It’s a lifelong process of learning, refining, and aligning your actions.

Keep Playing the Game

Integrity isn’t a fixed state—it’s an ongoing process of self-reflection, accountability, and growth. The most successful leaders and teams are those who consistently align their values with their actions and create an environment where accountability is seen as a tool for progress rather than punishment.