Sustainable Excellence Xtras #102 - Integrity And The Boy Who Cried Wolf

​Would you say you are a good leader who exhibits integrity and doesn't mislead others?

Would the people you lead say you are an individual who demonstrates integrity?

Having integrity means you are ethical, honest, and live by a set of foundational principles.

When I was in the Cincinnati (Ohio) Police Academy, we were trained to understand the difference between mistakes of the head (mind) and mistakes of the heart. As a police officer, integrity is one of the most important traits you possess. 

Making a good-faith decision that turns out to be wrong is a mistake of the mind. While sometimes these mistakes can cost a great deal of time, money, and sometimes, lives, they are mistakes that possess teachable moments that you can learn from. People still need to be held accountable for these types of mistakes, but they were not made with the intent to cause harm.

Mistakes of the heart are not really "mistakes" at all. They are conscious, unethical, and even immoral acts that were made based on bias or ill intent, usually for the purpose of self-gain. People need to be held accountable for these types of mistakes as well, especially since they were made with the intent to cause harm.

Here are 8 ways to determine a person of integrity from the website BetterUp (Perry - 6/30/2022):

1. Are they reliable and dependable?

2. Are they trustworthy, especially with sensitive information?

3. Do they practice open communication?

4. Are they respectful, honest, and patient with others?

5. Do they have a strong work ethic and produce quality work?

6. Do they admit their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions?

7. Do they make good, sound decisions?

8. Do they put the needs of others before their own needs?

Having integrity means delivering on your commitments, being a person of your word, and staying aligned with your personal values and principles.

Being a person of integrity will help you build better relationships, stay focused on what is important in your life, and allow you to define success based on your truths.

Please check out the video below to learn more about the importance of being an ethical and values-based person.

Also, please leave me a comment about your thoughts regarding the importance of being a person of integrity.