Integrity

A Fine Line between Integrity and Honesty

Integrity is active, but honesty can be passive.

Everyone wants to be perceived as capable and trusted with important tasks; yet, it takes a person years to build trust and credibility, but only a blink of an eye to lose it if one wrong move against moral values is made.

Integrity is more than a mission statement as it requires a consistent series of actions conformed to strict moral codes. As suggested in the Chinese word of 'trust'(信) itself, which comprises two parts: 'people'(人) and 'words'(言), trust lies at the heart of what people say and do. However, what in the business world may prevent people from keeping their words and failing to gain trust? Let’s watch this video for more information.

Why integrity?

"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves." -- by Ray Kroc

Integrity is the foundation of all types of relationships. It is not something that we wear on the outside to show others, but a set of values we hold on to that governs the way we behave wherever we are. It is an integral trait of professionalism. At university, students are required to act with academic integrity and follow the rules set by the university. However, integrity at work is more than a statement as the quality needs to be reflected in everything we do with or without others’ presence. By staying true to ourselves and our world despite facing different difficulties, we become dependable while we hold ourselves accountable for our actions. In turn, it directly impacts our success in life.

"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters."

-- by Albert Einstein

Being true to what you believe? More. Believe and do what is true.

In this VUCA world complicated with power and competition, one’s ability to act with truth and integrity is as important as its ability to deliver with productivity. It is so important that we have to refrain from defying the moral principle at all times. What we do and say to one’s face or behind one’s back directly reflects our quality as a person to be trusted or not trusted with important matters. Building integrity today is a cultural challenge when many decisions and actions are against our personal interest. However, why don’t we start believing and doing what is right with small decisions, influencing others to uphold their integrity, then notice the changes it could create!

Let’s watch this video to understand more about the importance of integrity at work.

What is Integrity?

Integrity requires proactive behavior.

A man with integrity not only demonstrates the trait of honesty, but they act more than that. They take the initiative to do the right thing even when no one is watching or asking. They take all actions possible to ensure that they live up to their moral principles because they are accountable to others and, more importantly, themselves. The last thing they want is to let themselves down.

Comparatively, an honest person may play a more passive role. They speak the truth but may not walk the truth. In other words, they may respond to others in an honest and truthful way, but they may not take a step further to right the wrong they observe. They may beat around the bush or not speak of the real problem so that they are not blamed for dishonesty, but they are definitely not the most trustworthy people on earth. People with integrity usually take one step further to ensure that nothing defying the moral principle will happen before their eyes.

Never compromise

A man with integrity never compromises on moral values and quality of work. Acting with integrity can be hard, especially when making tough decisions in the face of temptations. Unavoidably, sacrifices will be made when the decision goes against the personal interest and the will of many involved. After all, what is morally right may not be what the majority desire.

However, a man with integrity doesn’t compromise. They are honest to a fault and will not hold back information that may bring harm to others. They are committed to the quality of work and put their best foot forward to ensure that high expectations are met. They are true to everyone irrespective of their power and backgrounds. They are respectful to others as a way to respect themselves.

How to build personal integrity?

Never forced, self-absorbed

Talking yourself into thinking that only you will know if you don’t tell others is already an act against personal integrity. When dishonesty has become a habit, not only are we fooling others, but we will eventually lose trust in ourselves. If we have doubt in our ability and the promise we make, it is impossible to convince others to support us. To become a person with integrity, we need to practise it on a daily basis and be true to ourselves inside out.

While integrity is a very important value that needs to be inculcated in every individual, it is not textbook knowledge. We need to practise it every day and exercise the quality wherever we are and whatever we do. Whoever we are working with or reporting to, our actions should be congruent with our words and beliefs.

As you look into the seven ways to enhance personal integrity, don’t forget to watch the video on how to build integrity!