Thank you. Not just for reading this but for being my partner in this journey. I need you for that, and here’s what I mean.

I like to think of integrity as a boat. If the boat’s got you, then you can relax knowing you are being held. You can be highly productive and get from one point to another. Or you can use the opportunity to enjoy just being on the water.

I like to think of integrity like a boat. It either works or it doesn’t. There is no moral judgement involved. It’s really not about right or wrong or good or bad.  If the boat’s got you, then you can relax, knowing you are being held. You can be highly productive and get from one point to another. Or you can use the opportunity to enjoy just being on the water

I believe that so many of our other key fundamentals are rooted in integrity, for example:

• Honor commitments

• Be accountable

• Respect confidentiality

• Practice blameless problem solving

• Fix problems at the source

• Appreciate and acknowledge

• Speak straight, respectfully

• Always do your best

One of our first exercises was to uncover my “core values,” which at first I thought would be more like “priorities” or “life roles.” No, I found out, everyone has values set so deep in them that it drives their lives. It’s not what we consider to be important; it’s what we know so deeply in our psyche that we expect everyone and everything to adhere.

Before reacting emotionally, consider the probability that the individual does not intend to be combative. Most people are, in fact, honest and well-meaning. Look for positive intent from them and make sure you are communicating your own.

How to Have Everyday Integrity:

1. Keep your promises even if it takes extra effort.

2. Go back to a store and pay for something you forgot to pay for.

3. Never betray a friend's trust even if you get in trouble.

4. Inform the cashier he gave you too much change back.

5. Do not gossip or talking badly about someone.

6. Remain true to your spouse or partner.

7. When in a serious relationship, don't keep secrets from each other.

8. Return money that you noticed someone dropped without expecting a reward.

9. Ignore someone's advice on how to cheat on your taxes and not get caught.

10. Do not let someone else take the blame for something you did.

11. If someone gives you confidential information, never tell anyone what you know.

12. When it is obvious to you a relationship is over, don't drag it out but discuss it openly.

IN ORDER FOR THE REAL SPIRIT OF “LEADING BY EXAMPLE” TO BE EFFECTIVE, IT SEEMS LIKE IT TAKES A LOT OF PATIENCE AND MATURITY.