Evolutionary Growth with Integrity

Written back in 2009, at the start of my Latin American tour on the topic of "Prosperity with Integrity" - Erik Kikuchi

The opportunity.  

From the independent choices we make in our homes and communities, to our activities and the decisions we take in our companies, offices and meeting rooms, the passion is prevalent, the potential is there—and now with the right tools and strategies, we can uncover, unite and turn these intentions into actions.

The Source    

In order to truly impact integral change in an evolutionary manner, and not revolutionary struggle - we need to understand “how” one thinks and not ‘what’ one thinks and support that process. Give people an option to discover better ways and strategies to become better people, professionals and leaders. In fact, very few people want to look like a failure or be exposed as inadequate so they act in a less ethical manner that will quickly achieve their outcomes without truly understanding the consequences.

Most of us already understand that corruption is often driven by greed. But when we look deeper, we’ll also find the source of greed being fear. In its basic form, this means fear of being incapable, fear of an uncertain and future fear of failure. However, giving into this fear does not build strength, in fact, it creates more intellectual and emotional weakness. People respect courage, and it takes courage to be honest and to prosper with integrity

There is also another dynamic, and that is those who do the best at what they know. This is not an excuse for corrupt actions, it simply means that some haven’t the knowledge or understanding of ‘how to’ and succeed with integrity - yet. Take an example of a boss or manager who is having troubles with corruption in his office. He doesn’t know by simply telling his secretary to lie and tell people he’s not in the office when he is, in fact that he accepts through his own actions – being dishonest. Teaching those around him how to treat him.

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters” - Albert Einstein

The consequences

We are all interdependent. When someone makes the decision to be less than honest or transparent in his or her actions and decisions, not only are the opportunities and resources taken from others, they are also taken from his or her future as well. It doesn’t take economic facts to show that when a person is starving, without any education and poor, it is not possible to contribute economically or physically to his or her family, community or even country.

The consequence I explained to a group of children many years ago was this: “When people first begin to lie at an early age, it’s like they lose a piece of themselves with that lie, and there leaves a small emptiness in its place. Sometimes, theses lies are small, and the emptiness that follows is not noticeable, but slowly over time the emptiness with each additional lie grows bigger. Then as adults they spend the rest of their lives trying to fill these holes with things that may not be good for them and feel good in the moment but they don’t truly heal the emptiness.

In addition, its important to understand that there also can be a certain level trust between two people with an unethical outcome. How? Because a beneficial goal means a common interest to see it through. The consequence is that if their goal together includes lying, cheating or stealing, it could be just a matter of time before they may do the same to each other – under the pressure. Remember when one plays with fire, one should expect to get burned eventually, most of the time by their own kind.

“In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” - Warren Buffett

The solution

Understanding the long term consequences of corruption, lies and deceit and learning the true benefits and power of integrity is a principle beginning for everyone. Protective laws and reinforcement are also fundamentally required. As critically important as these are, we cannot simply rely on these elements alone. Most people know the consequence to their actions, yet it continues – because most believe either they’re too smart to get caught or believe they have no choice.

It is my belief that true progress begins with a deeper understanding of human behavior, the core needs, and uncovering at a deeper level why we do the things we do and how to evolve our thoughts, actions and decisions so we all can independently, and collectively, make better decisions that will positively impact our life, our future and all of those whom our decisions directly and indirectly impact. I believe that most people seek to be secure, successful and fulfilled, its just a matter of helping them to build the mental strength to do so. 

Without this, that is why we see people even compromise their values and principles to meet their needs, because they only believe they have limited or no options. The fact is that if they truly believe there is only one option, they have no real choice. When they have two options, well most will find themselves in a dilemma. When they can created three or more choices. Then they have real opportunity to grow and evolve. Teaching people how to achieve this with integrity is the basis of how we need to integrate this change. 

It’s important for all of us to support the leaders, the mentors and those in our communities who are proving that prosperity with integrity is possible, regardless of status, education levels or backgrounds. In addition, considering investing more time and effort with those who have a positive impact on your thoughts, ideas and decisions. Even the greatest willed people will at times find themselves falling or rising to the standards of their peers, so its critically important who you surround yourself with.

Now you may cross someone who would ask, “How do you know which decision is the right one?” First you can ask yourself, “Is it good for me, good for others and does it serve the greater good?”  Second, you can imagine if each choice were made public, would this bring indifference, trust or respect? Third, if you believe in god or Jesus its never to late to read the teachings over again. Lastly, and more importantly, when you look in the mirror each day, do you love the person you see?

Plant seeds of integrity with every decision and action both large and small. Be a moral compass and inspiration to your friends, family, inner circles, community and country and consider them as secret truths where recognition isn’t needed. Build your future with every decision and action you take moving forward and remember my friends, prosperity attained through loyalty, commitment, integrity, and sacrifice is, and always will be, the most admirable of all achievements.

“There is no wealth or position as rich and as respected as integrity.” –Erik Kikuchi

Written by Erik Kikuchi

Author of: "WORTH: Purpose Beyond Ambition 'NOW ON AMAZON'