Integrity in business is defined as an ethical action that includes speaking the truth and not telling lies. We seek to say what we mean, and mean what we say. Our walk should be consistent with our talk.
“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”
Henry Cloud points out in his book “Integrity“ that in the end, character always rules. Integrity in business and life is a fundamental important attribute that will bring blessing in the end.
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”
Integrity in business is not optional if you are seeking longevity. There are no short cuts, blurred lines or adequate excuses available to cover up a lack of integrity. What characteristics people are looking for is consistency, knowledge in the field, competency, and trust.
Integrity in business is a quality that is highly under-rated these days. Many people are so “pushed and pulled” by a not so hidden force called the “profit motive”, that they often find themselves compromising something, their values, their morals, their family, etc. They could also lose all credibility and trust from those they are trying to retain business from.
Integrity in business is as important as an individual’s personal reputation and self-worth. The pride we all take in working demands that we be honest, fair and ethical. My goal is to develop challenging opportunities for growth, be a blessing to others and a balance between my business and home life.
Integrity in business is giving high-value, high-content, as often as possible. When you hold a teleclass, even if you’re promoting product at the end, give really good content, material they can walk away with even if they don’t buy.
“There can be no friendship without confidence;
and no confidence, without integrity”
Integrity Story
Sally was a middle aged graduate student and in desperate need of a job. She had been looking for months and with the difficult economy kept running into dead ends. Needless to say her normally cheerful, positive attitude was taking a hit and her house was going into foreclosure. Despite the desperation that was beginning to set in, she persevered. She kept interviewing and putting the word out to every contact she had. Her family members were doing the same on her behalf.
Finally she got a break! A friend of a family member got her an interview at a local high end restaurant – in fact the best restaurant in her city. Sally had experience in the food industry, made a good impression and got the job as hostess. You would think that would be the happy ending of the story, right – persistence rewarded… but it isn’t.
She came home from her first night of work, sat down and cried. She said the customer service was horrible and the staff was rude to each other and to the patrons of the restaurant. Sally felt that the atmosphere was so negative and toxic she could not possibly continue to work there, it went against everything she believed in. She called the owner the next day and resigned. When asked why, she courageously told the truth. The owner asked her to please to come in and at least have a conversation about it – she agreed.
In the conversation with the owner, Sally had the opportunity to be specific about what she saw and experienced. She described the chaos, disrespect and poor customer service. Sally was completely honest with him about what would need to change for her to work there. As it turns out, the owner knew he had a problem and didn’t know how to fix it. In Sally he saw an answer to his problem. He offered Sally a job as guest services manager. She would answer directly to him and had full authority to make policy changes related to customer service as well as hire, fire and train staff.
Sally accepted and since taking that position the work environment at the restaurant has changed dramatically. There has been a turnover in staff, the owner gets a flood of letters raving about the great customer service and Sally has gotten two raises in as many months. Sally is ecstatic, her positive energy permeates the restaurant and she is learning tons about the business from the owner – a definite plus for the MBA she is working on.
In spite of her truly desperate need for a job, Sally stuck with her values, courageously told the truth and her integrity was rewarded in a very big way. An awesome story wouldn’t you say. Sally is someone we can all learn from. What values would you take a stand on?
Just Remember:
Integrity in business is built and earned over a long period of time through prompt honoring of commitments and fair dealing with all.
Related Articles
The 7 Most Important Core Values For Business …And How To Apply Them
#1 Core Value In Business Is Humility
Ralph W. Sockman
