Transitions for life, People in Motion


Intentional Integrity - raising your own bar


Integrity is such a sticky issue. There are no hard and fast measures for it. We all think we know what integrity is, but it actually means something different for every one of us. A simple trip down the freeway shows that some drivers are comfortable with moving straight to the front of the line and others choose to wait their turn. Sometimes it means different things in different situations. It may feel okay to tell a white lie to your boss (ever call in sick when you're not?) but not to your kids. One person may be cut-throat in business but generous at home. We often think that our integrity is an integral, unchangeable part of us. While many of our core values are created during our formative years, how we reflect those values through integrity-based actions can change dramatically. If you hang out long enough with people who gossip and complain, you will do the same. On the flip side, spend time with people who give back to their community and you will find yourself giving right along with them. Assuming that your inner circle of friends and business associates affect and reflect your own level of integrity, what do you see in them? Do they raise your integrity bar or lower it? How do you influence the integrity of those around you? A key component to raising your integrity is making a conscious effort to decide where you want it to be. Consider areas of your life where your daily actions may not align with your inner values. Do you value friends and family but spend little quality time with them? Do you value honesty but find yourself telling white lies to make things easier? Perhaps you know deep inside what your life's mission is but haven't taken any steps towards it. Where in the name of business and personal success do you fall short of your own expectations of yourself As you make a conscious decision for intentional integrity, beware the pitfall of competitive personal growth. Integrity is not an Olympic sport and there are no medals waiting to be given out. You may feel a satisfying "holier than thou" moment when comparing your actions to others, but know that there is always someone further along the integrity path than you! Judging others for their integrity choices is very different from accepting them as they are and making different choices for yourself. THAT is being in integrity! We all fall off the integrity wagon now and then. But every day is a new opportunity to discover the better person within yourself. So try raising the bar on yourself and see what happens!		"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office." ~ Dwight David Eisenhower

Tips for intentional integrity:


First, bring your values to top of mind Stop and think about what you really value. Can you write down your top 5? What percentage of your daily life is spent in support of these values? Which values aren't getting much attention on a regular basis? Are you currently involved in any actions that are in direct conflict with your values? Second, build in actions that will take your integrity up a notch Pick one of your neglected values and build 2 actions into your schedule that give this value some direct attention. For example, if you value time spent outdoors, schedule regular walks in the park or plan a long weekend camping with the family. Identify one thing you do that is in conflict with, or doesn't positively support, a key value. Do you value authenticity but find yourself acting like someone you're not in certain situations? Create a new personal integrity "rule" for yourself and practice it regularly. "I will not pretend that I know more than I do when I'm with my co-workers". Third, be a positive integrity role model, not a judge and jury, for others Ask others to hold you accountable for raising the bar on your actions. Allow them to support you, cheer you on, and comfort you when you slip. Surround yourself with people who's personal choices mirror your own or challenge you to new heights. Be aware of your judgments of others. Good people can make bad choices. We rarely know the whole story behind any situation. Think of your worst integrity boo-boo and ask yourself how the judgment and support of others played a part. What is your intentional integrity around judgment of others? High personal integrity is a path, not a destination. Every step, every day makes a difference!		"When one bases his life on principle, 99 percent of his decisions are already made." ~ Anonymous

Resources


Raise the bar for integrity in your own company. Read The CEO Refresher - 7 components of the Integrity Based Business. Are you singing your own song? This is a great article reminding us to listen to our own unique inner voice. Discover your highest values with this simple, but effective tool. Do you want to stop working in chaos and create success on your own terms? Order a copy of the Transitions For Life "Focus in the Midst of Chaos" leadership guide. This pocket guide is full of specific tips to help you lead powerfully and purposefully in challenging situations. Call your coach at 972-208-0577 and order a copy today for only $6.95!		Are you ready for more? Get a coach!