Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral and ethical principles. In it’s highest form it can be termed human “completeness”.
Here are the magnificent seven aspects of integrity:
- Honesty – telling the truth, being open and not taking advantage of others. It is seeking what must be done in the best interests of everyone.
- Respect – giving others the benefit of the doubt and making an effort. It can only be earned by being respectful to others.
- Generating Trust – actions speak louder than words. Demonstrating reliability and a positive committment are positive attributes for others to observe.
- Pride – caring for others without expectations, demonstrating enthusiasm and committment and showing appreciation and committment. It is knowing that you make a difference to any outcome. A feeling of doing something well and feeling energized from being of value and purpose.
- Responsiblity – aligned with trust, we are entrusted to care for something. Through care and foresight, we demonstate awareness of everyone around us.
- Keeping Promises – follows through with reliability – be accountable and keep your word.
- Helping Others – responding to the request of others voluntarily and being prepared to shift one’s own schedule to accommodate others.
Integrity in one’s life and work shines through and provides a vital certainty in a confusing, sometimes threatening world. It is learning to do the right thing, when that right thing is needed. The key to integrity is consistency. It needs to become a way of life. Your reputation relies upon it.
It is the ability to be a good person, at all times, no matter who is watching. Being a person of integrity doesn’t mean being perfect, it means being authentic. It is when what you think, say and do become one. It comes down to the choice between what is convenient and what is right.
And remember, knowing what is right doesn’t mean much unless you do what is right. Integrity inspires the respect and loyalty of others. Be true to yourself and everything else great in life will follow you down that positive life journey.
