Think about the one thing you value most about your business… What is it? Most of you probably answered ‘your reputation’. Your reputation in your community and amongst other businesses will make or break your company. I have personally seen businesses go under because they did things that compromised their company’s reputation. Things that generally came from a break of integrity. I define integrity as acting in alignment with your core values. Also, integrity means doing what you say, practicing what you preach or walking the talk.
Acting with integrity sounds easy and for the most part it is. But is it always? Just look around you at the companies and relationships that have been decimated by the actions of someone who lacks integrity. In fact, our local papers have been plastered with a very public example of what happens when integrity is lacking. You see, there is a compulsive side to human beings that, when allowed to run amuck, creates chaos. Please do misinterpret me, those who lack integrity are fully responsible for their own actions. No one is making them do anything. Unfortunately, rarely do these people clean up their messes until they are caught, Enron is an example, Kwame is another.
Taking on a life of Integrity, means living it with every thread of your world. One little lie or small act incongruous with your value system grows rapidly. Criminals and cheaters are great examples. Burglars don’t usually start out with complex heists. They started small, maybe shoplifting when they were younger. Once they were able to justify that (and get away with it), they graduated to robbing an old lady putting groceries in her trunk, then they held up a liquor store with a fake gun and finally held up a financial institution with a live weapon. They usually don’t start out at the top. Be careful with little justifications, you might end up robbing a bank some day.
Imagine how different the world would be if every business person took on that integrity was their top virtue. Think of how it would change the business world. We would trust our salesmen, we could expect people to follow through on their commitments and you could count on your contractor to show up and to show up on time. Imagine how much easier it would be to do business if estimates were accurate and you didn’t have to scrutinize every bill you receive for fear someone slipped an extra charge or fee that you weren’t told about. Oh, what a great place it would be.
Yes, I have been told that I am an eternal optimist. However, I do know that we are not likely to see this kind of world, at least not in our generation. But I do feel we could all create the shift in the right direction by committing ourselves to act with the upmost integrity, if not just for the sake of your business and your relationships, but also for the greatest reward – feeling good about living in your own skin.
