Integrity. Everyone today has heard of or works for a company that states integrity as one of its core values. Yet, at the same time just as many people also would acknowledge that the value of integrity is not even close to being realized in their company. There is a very simple answer for why this is the case. As the popular saying goes “it’s easier said than done”. Leaders love to through the “I” word around everywhere they go hoping that by simply claiming integrity people will assume they must be of great character. The first key to having real integrity is as defined “doing the right thing even when no one is watching”. Integrity can not be turned on and off. If someone truly is a person of integrity then no matter where they are or how many people are watching the right thing will always be done. Now, this raises another issue. What is the “right” thing? I believe it will suffice to say that the right thing is what we all learned as children, the Golden Rule. Do unto others what you would want them to do unto you. This removes all self serving desires form the “right thing”. It may not be the best for us if we expose and error but it will help the company. In case of leaders, sometimes simply owning up to their mistakes is one of the toughest forms of integrity to exhibit. However, if our leaders will not show concern for this very basic sense of character then how is it they can expect integrity of their followers. This by no means excuse you if you are not in a position of leadership, but it puts pressure on you to do what is right even in the face of integrity lacking leaders. I vividly remember a specific leader of mine who so wanted to please his superior that he routinely altered and twisted the truth or details of a situation. One day while talking about this with him he expressed to me that he has integrity. I was amazed that he could routinely follow falsities and still believe in his “integrity’. I thought on this and that’s when I realized he had the wrong definition of the word. He thought the right thing to do was what was right for him. He gave no regards for what was really right. These types of people and leaders can not last for long. As was this case with this person, he rapidly sought relocation as the mounted pressure from all of his misdealing began to build. So, no matter how tough it is, start this week by demonstrating your dedication to integrity. Try not playing on the internet when you should be doing work, or maybe take an hour lunch and don’t claim it was only thirty minutes. Try this and you will begin to see that not only is your own conscience going to be at peace but you will rapidly begin to gain respect as others take note that you truly are someone that can be counted on to do what is right even when no one is looking. Stay tuned after the Memorial Day week we will conclude this series on character.
Chris Willett
Editor
