Do you have Integrity? What does integrity mean, anyway? Even the most educated among us have some difficulty answering that question without a slight reflective pause. In other words, integrity isn’t something that’s easily defined. Yet all manner of respected leaders across the spectrum—clergy, businessmen and women, motivational speakers, mentors, and true leaders alike—lead with integrity as one of the foremost recognizable traits. Perhaps one of the best, most succinct definitions of integrity is from C.S Lewis, who said…
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
Integrity is a personal code of honor, most often captured or recognized by no one other than yourself. Therein lies the beauty of integrity. You see, integrity is, by design, something only you can define and only when you put it into actual practice. In other words, it’s not so much about what you say, but about what you do that matters most.
If who you are matches what you say, then your life will exude the tenets of integrity. The key is to speak less and just BE more. And when you speak, do so with compassion, sincerity, and truth. These elements will lay the groundwork for integrity to resonate throughout your life and be evidenced in all you do.
One of the most essential elements in business is trust. Trust begins with integrity. So what does integrity look like? Actually, positive examples—by design—are difficult to spot. It is less difficult to spot someone without a high degree of integrity. We all know at least one. They’re the ones who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. These people are quick to accept accolades or rewards and even quicker at deflection or justification when things don’t go as planned.
Here are some ways you can build your integrity. Consider putting some of these principles into practice as you strive to become better and experience more of the richness of life and to positively affect others along the way…
Keep Your Promises – Do whatever you can to follow through. If you make a statement or a declaration, follow through. If you cannot, own up to it, apologize, and move on. Just don’t make it a habit or it too will become part of you and erode the very element of integrity you are trying to build.
Keep your Appointments – Before you make a commitment, consider whether or not you are realistically able to follow through. This one area alone affects so many things from leading affectively to personal health and fitness commitments you make to yourself. The value (and practice) of your time integrity creates expectations that will either accelerate or totally derail your reputation.
Pick up the Trash – I was walking down an empty hallway in my building one morning when I saw a tiny remnant of paper on the floor. It was so insignificant that I had considered just walking past it. After all, it was early and I wanted my coffee. I decided to stop and pick it up and made my way to the restroom to throw it away when one of our key leaders emerged from around the corner. She smiled and commented on how perceptive I was. As you can imagine, I was happy I decided to practice my integrity that morning, even when I didn’t think anyone would notice.
Evaluating Your Integrity
You can conduct a self-assessment of your integrity by asking yourself some fairly simple but straightforward questions.
1. Am I who I say I am?
2. Am I leading by example?
3. Am I honest and true to myself?
4. Am I willing to risk being wrong?
5. Do I take responsibility at all times?
6. Do I listen to the voice of truth that resides within me?
7. Do the decisions I make hold true to the values I embody?
8. Can I be trusted to keep my word when I make a promise or commitment?
9. Do I say what I believe or do I typically say what I expect others need to hear?
10. Do I make decisions based upon my beliefs and convictions or rather, as the situation dictates?
As with the concept of integrity, the questions above are a self-assessment, so be honest with yourself.
The Voice
There is a Voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
“I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong.”
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend,
Or wise man can decide
What’s right for you—just listen to
That Voice that speaks inside.
That whispers all day long,
“I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong.”
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend,
Or wise man can decide
What’s right for you—just listen to
That Voice that speaks inside.
~ Anonymous
Until next time…
~ G ~
“Wisdom is knowing what path to take. Integrity is...taking it.” ~ Unknown
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