Integrity and Character Are A Must

Not just at work, but everywhere, all the time.... and are non-negotiable essentials...

Isn't it true that in the workplace we all want to be someone we would enjoy working with, be it a leader or one in the rank? Take this for example. Without basic trust between the leader and the followers, the leader is forever suspect. Integrity means doing the right things. Personal integrity is the quality of being honest with ourselves and others, and living a life that is aligned with our core values, not just liberty. The lack of it can have disastrous consequences. Even if a leader loses a fight, buy maintaining absolute integrity, he/she maintains his/her mandate to lead and others will still follow. Developing personal integrity requires examining ones beliefs and value system, and taking conscious steps to behave in ways that are consistent with our personal moral code. This will reflect as our character.

Ways in which we can do this

Developing our accountability.  We need to own up to our part in everything we undertake to do keeping off passing the buck or blaming others.

Growing up to be more independent, and rise out of rough times. Not withering away, not unnecessarily depending on others. Failing to learn, to work, to beat bad odds -- to be independent, in the long run is damaging.

Facing the obstacles that weaken us to excuse ourselves, lie or violate our moral code. We will need to get involved in finding a more suitable use of our talents, facing our fears about how others may perceive us and/or seeking knowledge to address personal challenges and insecurities.

Building relationships at home and work through greater truthfulness, being candid. For example, if managing a team of employees, being honest and direct with each individual about our expectations and employee performance. Avoiding slander or gossiping, refraining from causing unnecessary harm. Part of developing personal integrity is gauging when and how to deliver the truth, by being careful not to confuse truthfulness with anger-driven and brutally honest confrontation.

Determining our reasons for not behaving with greater personal integrity. For example, we may be pushing unpleasant work tasks on to other employees instead of being honest with our boss about our inability to do the tasks. We may be afraid to admit to ourselves or to our boss that we do not possess the right skills or that the job is not the right fit for us.

Identifying aspects of our behavior that require change. We need to reflect on our interactions with others in the workplace, at home and in social situations to determine specific areas in need of improvement.

Making a list of tasks and behaviors in which we will become more trustworthy in. The list might range from basic tasks to complex ones.

Respecting the privacy, the rights and the property of others. We need to consider any complaints we may have had or have received about using another person's belongings, parking in someone else's parking spot or littering on another person's property. We need to make a concerted effort to respect other people's belongings.

Listening to and respecting the opinions and decisions of others. Part of possessing personal integrity is protecting the human rights of others. Respecting diverse thoughts and decisions is a sign of open-mindedness and integrity.

Doing more than we expect others to do. If we are in a position to contribute to the development of others or help them, to do something they cannot reasonably accomplish on their own, we need to make all the efforts to assist them.

Lastly we need to constantly assess our progress, as success and integrity are not destinations, but making some progress: going forward. We need to commit ourselves to learn and strive daily toward your goals, always making progress.

"Integrity is doing the right things even when no one is watching us." - C. S. Lewis

Integrity the heart of character, never lose it.

Below are ways we exhibit strong character :

Sticking to a routine – Maintaining a routine shows timeliness and a respect for other’s schedules.

Learning from others – Taking notice of the habits of people around us and let them know when they have taught us something, or shared with us something valuable.

Celebrating individuality – Remembering successes of others and special occasion’s shows we care about the people around us.

Taking care in our appearance – We need to be and look respectful to receive respect.

Challenging ourselves – Others will notice when us take on additional work. Not only will they appreciate the help, but our extra effort will be hard to forget when a new position or opportunity for advancement opens up.

Working in teams – Brainstorming, collaborating and negotiating with colleagues shows we are patient, team-oriented and disciplined.

Wisdom is knowing the right path to take and Integrity is taking it. Knowledge gives us power, but character earns us the respect.

At the end of the day reviewing ourselves on all these aspects will keep letting us know who we are and how we are being perceived. The outcome of this could give us a lot of self-awareness also which is otherwise popularly known world over as “Emotional Intelligence.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson! Lao Tzu! Frank Outlaw! Gautama Buddha!  And more philosophers have said the following lines in various versions, different contexts and situation, but all meaning the same, “Watch your thoughts, they lead to your attitude. Watch your attitude, they lead your to words. Watch your words, they lead to your action. Watch your action, they lead to your character. Watch your character, it leads to your destiny..”