The Power of Integrity
photo credit: contemplativechristian
I don’t know about you but I am tired of people being scammed and bilked out of their money. Doesn’t it just sicken you when you hear about crimes like those committed by Bernie Madoff? What do you think about all those Internet scams and work at home scams. Where has integrity gone? Do we still know the definition of integrity?
What is integrity?
There are many ways to describe integrity. Here’s a simple description:
- Consistently doing the right thing even when no one is looking
- Doing no harm
- Delivering more than is expected
If we as entrepreneurs and small business owners (and human beings) would simple do these to things, we could change the face of business.
Doing the right thing
I believe we all have an inner voice that helps us discern right from wrong. Do what you know is right. Be honest with your clients, your spouse, your family, your coworkers and yourself.
Be consistent in doing the right thing. Do it when people are looking and when people are not looking. It is liberating.
Doing no harm
Whether you are thinking about creating new products, advising your client or launching a new marketing initiative decide to do no harm. Always think about the effects your words and actions will have on others.
Deliver more than expected
I believe this is a part of living in integrity because so customers are so often disappointed with the quality of products and the level of service they receive from businesses. In order to exercise integrity, manage expectations and then over deliver. Say what you are going to deliver and deliver more. Go the extra mile.
The Power of integrity
Integrity is a powerful currency. When you live a life of integrity here are some of the powerful things happen for you:
- You develop a good name which opens doors for you
- You become more confident
- You simplify your life
- You live life in a state of positive flow
- You attract like-minded people who will help you meet your goals
- You gain credibility and favor
- You move towards your goals faster and you achieve more of your goals.
Action steps
Make a commitment to day to live you life with more integrity. Make up your mind to do the right thing, look out for the best interest of others, and deliver more than what is expected of you. You will be rewarded in ways that you can’t imagine.
I would love to hear from you. How do you define integrity?
Where has integrity gone?
It is there but it takes inner strength to allow it to flow.
Doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do seems hard for most individuals. Especially if it means that it will not directly benefit them.
It does not make sense to do things the right way; just because. Just like an actor studying for a role, they may ask what is my motivation for my character’s action.
Bottom line sometimes reasons must be created in order for the right thing to be done; especially if no one is looking.
Doing no harm sounds reasonable. You must have basic care and compassion for human life, and it starts with your own. Do to others as you will have them do to you. If that does not ring clear with a person, this seemingly simple action will appear impossible.
Go beyond the call of duty, take that extra step, and walk that extra mile. That is asking to much for most. I am only going to do what I was asked or paid to do. I do not need anymore responsibilty. I do enough as it is. This takes again inner strength to achieve.
So how would I define integrity?
It is an inner strength , a higher call, that allows the best of you to be released. You become a gift, a provider of a service, a counselor, a teacher, an advisor, a friend and one who can not only speak the truth in love but live it also.