Lately, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what it means to have integrity. What I’ve found is that it means a lot of different things to different people, and that it is a very misunderstood word. So, as a place to start, here’s a definition from Miriam Webster’s Dictionary on line:
integrity
- Main Entry:
- in·teg·ri·ty
Pronunciation: in-ˈte-grə-tē\ - Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire
- Date:
- 14th century
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility 2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness 3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
synonyms see honesty
When I think about what it means to me to have or be of integrity – it’s the following: To be my word. That is, to honor my word as it is given, and if I cannot, to clean that up and make a new commitment. It also means that I strive to be one for whom a world without integrity does not work. Now you might say, WOW – that’s deep! I guess simply what I mean is this: We are all really good at letting ourselves off the hook. We’re also really good at letting one another off the hook — not holding ourselves or others to what we said we would do. For me, there are far too few people in my life who are really willing to call me on my stuff, and when someone actually does, it’s a gift I can’t describe. It is in fact, the only way I can be held accountable – and grow and develop as the human being I long to be. Holding yourself to a standard of being your word takes practice. But the rewards are amazing! People start to see you as someone they can count on — and you become exactly that. When you think how many times you’ve complained in your life about how someone else let you down — wouldn’t it be cool to know and be someone who didn’t?
Love to hear your thoughts on the matter…..
Laurel
9 Comments
April 17, 2008 at 2:02 am
As you most likely know by now – I agree. It does take practice – but it helps (actually it is essential) to have the standard set early in life and then have accessible role models that demonstrate the some times tough ‘right decisions’. My ‘training’ began with my father and grandfather…neither are/were warm fuzzies or particulary likeable – but they were both admirable and …..consistent. Over time I developed my personal goals. It turns out that despite some blips during the teen years, it is not important to me to be liked, but I feel that my greatest achievement is to have a reputation of reliability and competence. Interesting how that leads to respect….and even being liked and admired. My children are very aware that I am not perfect nor am I the ‘coolest’ or ‘funest’ parent – but both have thanked me for preparing them for life and good choices — far beyond their peers.
So, the cycle continues… BUT it is far more difficult in the face of media drama and flamboyantly shallow public figures and their followers. How important it is to spend time each day appreciating and publicly acknowledging people of integrity. By the way – I particularly like your humanistic note – that when, not if, we miss the mark – it is our responsibility to clean that up and make a new commitment. Very important as perfection is unattainable – and should not be the standard when one is practicing a life a integrity -otherwise we would all have to opt out.
There is a reason I chose to work with you. Thank you for being one of the positive examples.
April 18, 2008 at 12:50 am
Thanks, Deb, for your feedback and insight.
May 1, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Laurel, this is very much ‘you’ from the years I worked with you on projects. You always found a way to fulfill your commitment, which I greatly appreciated.
As you know, I find a lot of meaning in the ancient texts of the Bible. Here’s one from Psalm 15 that speaks to exactly what you’re saying:
“1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.”
Congratulations on being that kind of ‘people’. And of course, nobody does it perfectly; but you’re pointed in the right direction.
Keep moving forward!
May 29, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Integrity without courage to use it is nothing.
Recommended Read: Gus Lee’s book, “Courage, The Backbone of Integrity.” A powerful discussion of leadership values and character.
May 29, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Thanks, Gordon, for sharing your insight and the book recommendation. I agree with you, that it takes great courage to stand in integrity, especially in the face of all that life tosses at us. But integrity without action, or the courage to stand in it, has little value.
Consider: A life without integrity works. And it can work very well. But a life with and of integrity take our commitment, courage, dedication and hard work. A life of integrity takes all that we have, but I believe, it is worth it.
Are you committed to a life of integrity?
Again, thanks for sharing.
August 17, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!
August 18, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Thanks, Alex, for your post and for reading our blog! What brought you our way?
May 21, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Качество друзей тоже надо учитывать. Дональд Трамп, например, на двадцатку потянет.
May 25, 2009 at 5:46 am
Отличная статья.Респект автору.