A while back, I was asked to lead a discussion on the topic of integrity at a training institute where I served as a presenter. I was honored to speak on the subject given that integrity is a value that plays an integral part in every aspect of my life. While preparing for my presentation, I was thinking of different ways I could share my views on how I integrate the value of integrity into my life without coming off sounding sanctimonious, or worse. By chance, I ran across a quote that embodies my point of view about what integrity means to me. The quote by C.S. Lewis says, "Integrity is doing the right thing. Even when no one is watching". An analogous quote by Oprah Winfrey states, "Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not." In other words, the way I see it - integrity is where our beliefs, words and actions intersect. It is not something that can be faked or disingenuously exhibited in pursuit of accolades or praise from others.
The most succinct way I can describe integrity is that it is equivalent to breathing life into our morals and values. What I know for sure is the act of exemplifying integrity in our lives on a daily basis is a choice. I often say, the choices people make, good or bad, can impact the entire trajectory of their life. Having integrity does not mean a person is perfect by any means. It just shows that some people are more conscientious in making morally sound decisions than others. How wonderful it would be if more people would exercise more selfless choices.
Doing the Right Thing
Over the majority of my career, I have worked in two areas that have the greatest influence on the success or failure of a business, i.e., financial and human resources. Consequently, during my tenure, I have arbitrated numerous cases in which integrity had come into question. While presiding over each case, I always kept the words of wisdom at the forefront of my mind which an esteemed colleague said to me years ago while teaching a workshop on the principles of ethics and integrity. He said, "When it comes to integrity in the workplace, there is no such thing as a bad person. There are only good people who are put in bad situations".
Depending on your belief system, I guess there could be some truth in that statement. However, I would be hard pressed to agree with this sentiment in its entirety given my belief system about integrity which is, 'doing the right thing even when no one is watching'. In this statement, there is no judgment of good or bad about the individual. I simply believe a person of integrity who is put in a bad situation will in all likelihood choose to do the right thing. Of course, having integrity does not mean there is no room for error or that a person of integrity is always picture-perfect in every word, thought or deed. However, whether it is at work or play, a person of integrity will most certainly hold true to this value regardless of the situation.
In my profession, my goal is to always be very intentional in leading others by example. When training my staff, I teach them to take pride in their work and to execute their duties as if their every move and decision is subject to audit. This strategy is not intended to intimidate. As a matter of fact, I truly believe that an effective leader leads through motivation, not through intimidation. So, as a leader, I utilize my experience and values to motivate others to do the right thing at all times even if no one is watching. This goes a long way in your career as well as your personal life.
Integrity in Relationships
I believe integrity is just as important in professional relationships. Everyone has most likely, at one point or other, been involved in a situation or have had a professional relationship in which someone they know exhibited a lack of integrity. In many of these situations people speak as if they value integrity, but in reality their actions prove otherwise. One thing that never lies is a person's actions. How a person conducts themselves will always show who they truly are more than the words they speak. There are many people who will smile in your face while they conspire to stab you in the back - metaphorically speaking, of course! As Maya Angelou once said, 'When someone shows you who they are, believe them; the first time". I have learned over the years to really understand this adage.
So, when it comes to professional relationships, and personal relationships too for that matter; I watch people's actions and see if their words align. Those that don't, are the ones who are basically showing you who they are by their actions. These individuals will more than likely make bad choices, usually at someone else's expense. Their tactics may work in their favor in the short-run, but it definitely will not benefit them in the long-run. Remember, nothing good or bad lasts forever! Deception and lack of integrity will always catch up with a person. That's why I do not spend time hating on people who show a lack of integrity in professional or personal relationships. I do not have to obsess over trying to get back at anyone in these instances. For them, simply living a life without integrity has got to be the worse punishment of all.
In Summary
To sum things up, given my view that integrity is a value where our beliefs, words and actions intersect, I do not believe that it is something one can exhibit in one part of their life and not the other. It is not something that can be turned on or off at a whim. Integrity is a value so powerful that it can significantly impact personal and professional relationships. I believe integrity is important not just in our professional careers, but in all aspects of our lives. It is important to note, the mere act of exhibiting integrity on a consistent basis does not make any one person better than anyone else. Everyone has a chance to redeem themselves even after demonstrating a lapse in integrity. Which reminds me of another quote which says: "There is no better test of a man's integrity than his behavior when he is wrong". All in all, however, I believe a person of true integrity will more than likely choose to do the right thing regardless of the situation. The reward is not in seeking acknowledgement from others. The true reward is simply knowing they have done the right thing. Exhibiting integrity is a choice that everyone has the opportunity to exercise. Although not everyone holds integrity as a value, it is my hope that more people will make the choice to do the right thing regardless of the situation or whether someone is watching.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Integrity:-Doing-the-Right-Thing-Matters!&id=9563285
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