Integrity is easy to see, hard to define, and exceedingly difficult to assess. We reserve the label of “integrity” for those who treat situations and people with honesty, consistency, and fairness. A reputation for integrity is earned every day through actions, choices, and decisions.
Re: Integrity is...hard to define, and exceedingly difficult to assess... ChalIenge Accepted!
I think integrity is closely related to credibility. It has been said that the best way to gain the reputation for being a credible person is to do the things you say yes to/commit to. Credibility builds trust. Saying no to things (discipline) decreases your chances of overpromising and underdelivering. It is the denominator in the integrity equation: Total number of things you tell people you will do / the total number of things you actually do.
Yes, I think my equation works with this. If you say you'll do 10 things and you deliver on all of them, then 10/10 = 1. A whole number, complete in itself, intact. I'm aware that I'm ignoring the 'having strong moral values' part of integrity. But I think this might be secondary to my primary argument. I'll have to think about it more on that.
Really interesting, I never considered that what one says “no” to reveals integrity but upon thinking about it, makes total sense. It seems to tie to an underlying theme of the behavioral view of leadership- it isn’t what you say, but what you do. Someone may say they have a particular set of values, but do they act accordingly, particularly when declining a promising opportunity? “No” is hard for many people, which makes this a more powerful evaluation of integrity than what someone says “yes”. Thanks for stretching my brain, this gave me a lot to think about.
Integrity and honesty are mates, if different. When making a decision, it is vital not to deceive yourself. People often say "yes" to requests incongruent with their desire to appease, help others, and be likable. Self-deception leads to complaints, resentment, regret, and, thus, problematic outcomes. Remember, there is no such thing as no. You are always saying yes to something, even when you refuse.
"Leaders who want to assess integrity would do well by investigating when others have declined or said No to a seemingly auspicious proposal and why," because herein lies the "foundation upon which" the candidate stands. It shows that external factors do not sway the individual and that they are willing to stand by their principles.
In decision-making, integrity is beyond virtue; it is necessary for ensuring favorable outcomes.
I thank you sincerely for the insightful and contemplative posts.
Re: Integrity is...hard to define, and exceedingly difficult to assess... ChalIenge Accepted!
I think integrity is closely related to credibility. It has been said that the best way to gain the reputation for being a credible person is to do the things you say yes to/commit to. Credibility builds trust. Saying no to things (discipline) decreases your chances of overpromising and underdelivering. It is the denominator in the integrity equation: Total number of things you tell people you will do / the total number of things you actually do.
What do you think?
You might also base the definition of Integrity on it's root word... integer.
A whole number.
Complete in itself.
Yes, I think my equation works with this. If you say you'll do 10 things and you deliver on all of them, then 10/10 = 1. A whole number, complete in itself, intact. I'm aware that I'm ignoring the 'having strong moral values' part of integrity. But I think this might be secondary to my primary argument. I'll have to think about it more on that.
Really interesting, I never considered that what one says “no” to reveals integrity but upon thinking about it, makes total sense. It seems to tie to an underlying theme of the behavioral view of leadership- it isn’t what you say, but what you do. Someone may say they have a particular set of values, but do they act accordingly, particularly when declining a promising opportunity? “No” is hard for many people, which makes this a more powerful evaluation of integrity than what someone says “yes”. Thanks for stretching my brain, this gave me a lot to think about.
Integrity and honesty are mates, if different. When making a decision, it is vital not to deceive yourself. People often say "yes" to requests incongruent with their desire to appease, help others, and be likable. Self-deception leads to complaints, resentment, regret, and, thus, problematic outcomes. Remember, there is no such thing as no. You are always saying yes to something, even when you refuse.
"Leaders who want to assess integrity would do well by investigating when others have declined or said No to a seemingly auspicious proposal and why," because herein lies the "foundation upon which" the candidate stands. It shows that external factors do not sway the individual and that they are willing to stand by their principles.
In decision-making, integrity is beyond virtue; it is necessary for ensuring favorable outcomes.
I thank you sincerely for the insightful and contemplative posts.
Have a wonderful day.
Loving the idea that integer is a whole number.
Interesting read.
Made me reflect on myself.
Me as well , Caleb.
would not have thought that saying no more often than yes , would have a direct bearing on shaping ones integrity.
Thank you.
Glad to see you, Cheryl. Are you more likely to be someone who says ‘Yes’ to be accommodating?