Integrity in All Things

Successes may come and go in life, but the methods we use and the volition behind our actions is more important than any end result.

We often hear the expression “the end justifies the means”.  It may be a popular ethos but it’s not appropriate when Integrity is lacking.  Remember the Universal Law – what you put out comes back?

Where is the Integrity when:

  • a sales person over-promises and under-delivers to ensure they make quota for the month?
  • an employee rings in sick because he/she needs to finish the Christmas shopping?
  • a CEO overstates the company’s projected earnings so the board of directors won’t replace him/her?
  • an employee covers up a mistake to keep the client happy?
  • an investor devalues a company’s bottom line to negotiate a lower valuation in a deal?
  • a student claims the dog ate the assignment when he/she had not put in the work to get it finished on time?

We could go on, and on, and on…..  All of the above are furphies – they are not honest.  Somehow people feel they can justify their actions in order to achieve what they want.  (“It’s only a little white lie!”)  But what is the cost?

The cost is our Integrity.  Our Integrity says so much about us and what we stand for.  Be assured, every truth comes out – maybe years later – but we actually don’t get away with anything in this life. (What we put out comes back!)

There’s a quote from author C.S. Lewis:  “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

Being true to yourself is being true to yourself.  Others may not know if you have cut corners or fudged the truth – but you will.

Warren Buffet, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the world’s richest and most successful businessmen, said it best:  “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy.  And if they don’t have the first one, the other two will kill you.”

When you work with Integrity:

  • in study or work, your associates and colleagues will trust you and the word will spread.
  • in relationships, don’t settle for less than you know you deserve
  • in life, speak your truth, even though it may be unpopular, or create tension and conflict
  • in behaviour, ensure what you do matches your personal values
  • when making choices, make sure it is to satisfy your needs and not the needs of others

When you do everything with Integrity you will find that you will attract other people with Integrity.  Move away from those who are not honest and not true to themselves.

Whether you are working for a company with a large staff, or in a small group, or on your own, you are actually always working in your own best interests.  “Every  job is a self-portrait of the person who does it.  Autograph your work with excellence.”

Have a wonderful month.

Love and laughter,