Isn’t It Ironic?
I am choosing to write about integrity as we wind down from the U.S. election cycle. Ironically, we did not see much of what I consider integrity to be on display, And it’s alarming to note that this lack of integrity is evidenced not only by candidates but is increasingly considered “the norm” in the population at large.
One of my favorite parts of coaching is to learn what each client considers to be their core values. Our core values are what anchor us to life, shape our reality, and are non-negotiable. Although certain values tend to be common to many people, each individual has their own specific and personal definition of those values.
Perhaps the most frequently cited value is integrity. However, the definitions vary widely. I want to share with you some of the most common definitions and examples from published sources:
Being honest/telling the truth
Adhering to one’s own moral code
Standing for something
Doing the right thing
Keeping your word
Being reliable
Authenticity
Being transparent about intentions
In the workplace, we have the opportunity to demonstrate integrity constantly. Following through, standing up for your team and organization, and questioning or saying “NO” when asked to do something you feel is contradictory to your moral code are just a few examples..
As we move out of this election season, each of us has the opportunity to fight the perceived decreasing importance of integrity on a very personal level. You can continue to be the best version of yourself, letting your own definition of integrity show, and insisting on the same from others. In the words of Bob Marley:
“The greatness of a [person] is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”
Kind regards,
My core values:
Integrity
Compassion
Curiosity
Creativity
Beauty
Fundamental of the Week #1: ACT WITH INTEGRITY
Integrity is the core of everything. Tell the truth, acknowledge and own your mistakes and clean them up with appropriate corrections. Do the right thing even when no one is looking.
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