What Matters/Integrity

Integrity

Integrity is consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. Integrity can be regarded as the opposite of hypocrisy,^[1] in that it regards internal consistency as a virtue, and suggests that parties holding apparently conflicting values should account for the discrepancy or alter their beliefs.

Integrity is the decision to act congruently with your well-chosen values.

Live without cause for shame. Be impeccable with your word. Do what you say. Take full responsibility for your actions. Do your best.

Demonstrate allegiance to your well-chosen values through your actions every day.

Assignment:

• Study this list of behaviors that can help you earn the trust of others
• Carefully notice the promises you make, and any expectations you create. Pay attention to the exact words and meaning you convey.
• Notice if each promise is fully kept. Did you say anything that was inaccurate or could be misleading?
• Close any gaps between what you say and what you do. Become more trustworthy. Be impeccable with your word. Do what you say.
  • Think more, speak less, say more.
• Recall a time in your life when you faced difficulties. Perhaps you reached deep down inside, resolved to do your best, worked hard, stayed focused, and overcame the difficulties. How did that make you feel? Recall another time in your life where you did not do your best. What was the outcome? How did that make you feel?

Suggestions for further reading:

• Ruiz, Don Miguel (1997). The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. Amber-Allen Publishing. pp. 138. ISBN 978-1878424310. 
• Covey, Stephen M.R.; Rebecca R. Merrill (2008). The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything. Free Press. pp. 384. ISBN 978-1416549000. 
• Sullenberger, Chesley B.; Jeffrey Zaslow (2010). Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters. Harper Paperbacks. pp. 368. ISBN 0061924695. 
• Bowman, James (2007). Honor: A History. Encounter Books. pp. 382. ISBN 978-1594031984. 

References:

1. ↑ John Louis Lucaites; Celeste Michelle Condit, Sally Caudill (1999). Contemporary rhetorical theory: a reader. Guilford Press. pp. 92. ISBN 1572304014.