When we talk about qualities of any human being; “Integrity” comes to my mind at the top of it.
What is integrity?
The lopular answer is, integrity means following your moral or ethical convictions and doing the right thing in all circumstances, even if no one is watching you. Having integrity means you are true to yourself and would do nothing that demeans or dishonors you.
How to Have Everyday Integrity?
- Keep your promises even if it takes extra effort.
- Go back to a store and pay for something you forgot to pay for.
- Never betray a friend’s trust even if you get in trouble.
- Inform the cashier he gave you too much change back.
- Do not gossip or talking badly about someone.
- Remain true to your spouse or partner.
- When in a serious relationship, don’t keep secrets from each other.
- Return money that you noticed someone dropped without expecting a reward.
- Ignore someone’s advice on how to cheat on your taxes and not get caught.
- Do not let someone else take the blame for something you did.
- If someone gives you confidential information, never tell anyone what you know.
- When it is obvious to you a relationship is over, don’t drag it out but discuss it openly.
Integrity in the Workplace
- Work when you are supposed to and save socializing, snacking, searching the Internet and personal phone calls for break time.
- Turn in the extra change you found in the soda or snack vending machine.
- Show respect to coworkers with appropriate conversation and empathy.
- If you are in management, keep your employees informed so they will know what is coming and what needs to be done.
- Adhere to company policies and procedures.
- Be responsible. Do what you say.
- Use materials for work and not personal use.
- If you make a mistake and a team’s project gets messed up or you miss a deadline, own up to your mistake. Don’t let teammates take the fall.
- Work together as a team. This builds trust and shows integrity.
- Never steal supplies from the workplace.
- If you find yourself in a conflict of interest, get out of it as soon as possible.
- Don’t accept praise or acclaim for someone else’s work. That includes stealing someone’s idea or pretending to have worked on a successful project.
- When making a business deal, make sure everything is on the table and nothing was left out.
- If your company asks you to do something against your personal code of conduct, refuse. If it means losing a good paying job, so be it. Find a more ethical company to work for.
What we display and what we possess does matters a lot, only if you are able to dive into a little deeper sense.