We often hear the word “Integrity” in the business setting. In fact, at our firm, it’s one of our core values. To wit…it’s listed first in our list of core values. Yet, due to its perceived overuse in the corporate world, I often wonder if the word Integrity has lost a bit of its luster. So, what even is it?
The root word of Integrity is integer. An integer being a whole number. So, it’s the concept of being complete or undivided. Which is expounded into the quality of being honest or having strong moral principles. I often hear business gurus define integrity as doing the right thing. Or, doing the right thing, no matter the cost. At our firm, we’ve defined it as doing the next right thing.
All which beg the questions: Who decides what the right thing is and what it is not? What happens when my view of the right thing differs from yours? What are the standards by which we evaluate right vs. wrong?
Well, lest I be unclear, I believe there is right and wrong in the world. And, I believe if you’re reading this, you have a sense of right and wrong as well. However, there are gaps and discrepancies between how some people view right and how others view it. Too, there is often an order to which we prioritize our right views. Some of these differences are minor…some are significant. Herein lies the problem.
Yet, my point isn’t to settle the dispute once and for all, rather, it’s to encourage you, gentle reader, to universally and intentionally do the right thing according to your beliefs. 80% of the time, that’s pretty easy. 15% of the time, the right thing is harder. 5% of the time, it’s the hardest option. Therein lies the test.
To pass the test, we must elevate our awareness, our discipline, our confidence in what it means for us to “do the right thing”. We must study and prepare in advance so we’re not caught off guard and tempted to violate our Integrity. We must exercise our mental acuity and spiritual preparedness so that when the tempest rises within, we can overcome and claim victory.
Be aware of what the right thing is to do.
Be disciplined in doing the next right thing, even when it’s the hardest to do.
Be confident that the discipline of doing the next right thing will bring benefits to your life.
Have Integrity. Do the next right thing.
And live on purpose today.
