The Three Forms of Integrity
Doing the right thing, even though it may be the harder option, despite no one looking will really be a huge step towards ensuring that you live with integrity. External integrity - This is what you portray to those around you. You have high external integrity when your actions are consistent with your thoughts and what you are saying. Image integrity - Similar to external integrity - this is the image of your integrity.
Looking after your image integrity is about ensuring that none of your actions or words can be misconstrued.
Why is Integrity Important?
One where there is open communication, good decision making and a strong moral compass guiding all decisions and actions. Whereas, irresponsible behaviour and distrust can make a work environment uncomfortable and tense. If you are known for your integrity, you will gain trust and respect from the people around you. Integrity is not just important on a personal level, it is also vitally important at a workplace level.
Organisations known for their integrity perform better.
Tips for Demonstrating Integrity in the Workplace
Polite communication, respecting your colleague’s thoughts and ideas and continuously working on relationships demonstrates that you are a team player. If you choose not to follow them or if you use shortcuts, it will lead to bad decisions, problems and mistakes that will need fixing. Demonstrate Responsible Behaviour - Ensure that there is no reason for your colleagues to ever question your conduct by demonstrating ethical and moral behaviour at all times. This includes avoiding using the company’s equipment or resources for personal use, striving to complete your task before deadlines and showing enthusiasm and commitment to your work.
Work Diligently - This is a very powerful way of demonstrating integrity as it shows that you are responsible for your work time. Making personal calls, surfing the internet, texting or snacking at the work desk, are some of the activities that distract one from working efficiently. This shows that you are responsible enough to own up to your mistakes, are willing to correct them and learn from them. Once you know this, align your values to this path and steer straight in all that you do.
At times, you may reach a point where you are asked to do something that doesn’t go in accordance with your personal code of conduct. This may present a challenging decision for you, but if you have strong integrity and values, you will refuse to do it. Make it your goal to be a person of integrity always no matter how many temptations or challenges you face.