INSIGHT

Live a Life of Integrity

A reflective evaluation

Do you have Integrity? That sounds like a leading question, I know. What the heck is integrity, anyway? Even the most educated among us have some difficulty answering that question without a slight reflective pause. Integrity isn’t something that’s easily defined. Yet many respected leaders across the spectrum — clergy, business professionals, motivational speakers, mentors, and genuine leaders alike — lead with integrity as one of their foremost recognizable traits. Perhaps one of the best, most succinct definitions of integrity comes from C.S Lewis, who said…

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

Ah, ok, now we’re getting somewhere.

Integrity is a personal code of honor, most often captured or recognized by no one other than yourself. Here lies the beauty of integrity. Integrity is, by design, something only you can define and only when you put it into actual practice. It’s not so much about what you say, but about what you do that matters most.

If who you match 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’s less difficult to spot someone without high integrity. We all know at least one. They’re the ones who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions and have a tendency to blame everyone else for their shortcomings. 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 can’t, 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’re 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 across the spectrum, from leading effectively 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 —A personal example.

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.

~ Anonymous

Until next time…

“Wisdom is knowing what path to take. Integrity is…taking it.” ~ Unknown