The Power of Integrity

Integrity is a word that is branded about in business circles quite gratuitously. That is, everyone talks about its importance but believe very few practice what they preach. However if one looks closely at most business leaders you'll find that the majority of them do act with integrity most of the time. Thus, to get to the top, you can be ruthless but not unscrupulous; integrity is required.

What is Integrity?

In the narrow sense, the word "integrity" means sticking to a strict ethical code. What that means is that you should know what is right and what is wrong. That is that an individual should have a very clear idea of black and white with regards to the rules of business and life. The clearer you understand the ethical underpinnings of the business world, the less likely you are to find yourself in a big pile of shit resulting in a career ending situation. Knowing the boundaries well also means that your decisions will ensure you don't land yourself in shit.

Stand for Something

Each person has different values and beliefs that govern their lives, both personal and professional. As a society, we tend to embrace similar moral beliefs that allow us to govern our actions for the most part based on common rules.

As a businessman, you should have another set of guidelines to follow on top of your personal ones. If you are faced with a situation, you should know where you stand beforehand so that making decisions will be almost automatic...

For example, if you catch an otherwise honest employee making photocopies for his churches choir, would you reprimand him? He is, after all, stealing from the company. On the other hand, he is a solid employee who works hard for the company... so what are a few pieces of paper and ink?

Not all situations are obvious learn to stick to your guns. Granted, some cases are not as obvious as others. What should you do if your colleagues are engaging in unethical activities at the company? If what they are doing is also illegal then the course of action is quite simple. However, if what they are doing is not necessarily illegal, but is definitely sketchy in the moral sense, should you take action?

I think one needs to act fast to rectify any small problems before they have time to become bigger problems. Also, keep in mind that not acting may also "taint" you down the line, even if your actions have been noble.

Stick to Your Guns

One of the important points I'm trying to get across is that having integrity in your business dealings will keep you on the right track. Integrity acts as a moral compass that will help you make the tough calls and come out on top of the game when the dust settles after the storm. If you had your hand in the cookie jar as well, then when the storm passes, you will face the music too. If you carried yourself with integrity and did the moral thing, then you can be sure that the facts will come out and you will not be tainted.

Thus, know what you stand for. Know what you can and cannot do and stick to your guns. If someone or some organization tries to bend you and make you do things you feel are unethical, then stand up and fight. Don't break your code of ethics because ultimately, in our society, everything boils down to the individual. And the individual will be held responsible for his actions, regardless of whether they were carried out for himself or for the organization.

The Road Less Traveled

On an endnote, keep in mind that doing the right thing usually does not mean doing the easy thing. Being able to stand your ground and do what's right ultimately separates the men from the boys.

Doing business with integrity will allow you to cement long term relationships, and earn the respect of your peers business partners and industry at large. It will help you build a strong reputation and people will want to do business with your again and again.

Thus, acting with integrity may not line your pockets solidly in the short run, but the rewards will be well worth the effort over the long haul.

the audacious truth