What can you expect from a staff member who exhibits integrity? Basically, all the good stuff. Integrity defined is an adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Notice a pattern with all the other traits we've talked about so far? There really is nothing complicated about being a good employee, or a good person for that matter. It's actually more complicated to be a person who is not so desirable. Think about it. If you're a liar, there's a lot to keep up with. If you're lazy, you always have to find a good hiding place. If you're a thief, you know you're going to get caught some day, it's just a matter of time. If you're a gossip, that's going to bite you in the butt before you know it because everyone realizes that you're a gossip and they're just using you to get information.
Being a good person, or my favorite moniker, a mensch, is so easy. In every instance, think, and then do the right thing. People with integrity hardly even have to think about it. The right thing is their automatic response. I'm a wanna be. I have to stop and think a little, but hopefully most times I get it right. When I don't it really bugs me so I think that means I have some integrity. Other people like being around these folks. When they talk about them there's a little bit of awe mixed with pride in being associated with such a person. I know what I'm talking about because I happen to be surrounded with people with some major integrity. At the top is my husband, impeccable character. My kids amaze me in the depth of their integrity. My boss and co-workers make me proud to say I'm one of them. People with integrity don't watch while others struggle, they get in there and help and don't think about whether the other person will give them any credit. People with integrity circumvent gossip by changing the subject. They never cheat, they usually give more than is required. They never lie even if the truth will cost them something. They value their own integrity because they know how good it feels to have it. It allows them to sleep well and be well met. Sounds like good stuff, doesn't it?
- Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.
Comments