Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you’re going to do. Your credibility can only be built over time, and it is built from the history of your words and actions. ~ Maria Razumich-Zec – Business Leader
The definition of integrity is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles” and is counted as one of the most important qualities for leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Integrity is not only the quality of being honest to others, but to ourselves as well. If we cannot acknowledge truth, then how can we give it?
Doing the “right” thing in life, in business, is what makes a successful life and leader. Employees, investors, partners, customers are all seeking companies that are in alignment with their beliefs and practices that reflect integrity.
So, how do people of integrity embody that quality and bring it to business?
Honesty – All businesses face difficult moments that stem from a mistake. Taking responsibility for the error, acknowledging that responsibility, and admitting it to the affected party can actually result in more loyalty from employees and customers. Own the mistake and take steps to fix it immediately. As well, honesty and transparency from leadership to their teams is absolutely vital. Teams that feel secure and can understand the vision, are able to execute their jobs and exceed expectations.
Define Integrity Clearly – Everyone operates with a slightly different moral compass. Your definition of integrity and what it means to your business should be clearly defined, communicated effectively, and reflected in the mission and values of your business. And it goes without saying that you, your employees, and your business practices should exemplify it daily.
Keep Promises and Meet Commitments – Integrity in action is doing what you say that you are going to do. Your actions speak louder than your words, especially if the two do not match. Integrity is not situational, it is innate, and your actions reinforce your integrity in every exchange.
“There are no moral shortcuts in the game of business or life,” he writes. “There are, basically, three kinds of people, the unsuccessful, the temporarily successful, and those who become and remain successful. The difference is character.” Jon Huntsman Sr., Winners Never Cheat
Don’t Compromise Your Principles – People respect leaders that stand up for what they believe in, and that wins more loyalty than caving in to what seems easy in the moment. Discomfort and challenges forge strong leaders, test businesses in positive ways, and make you better than when you started.
Reputation and Respect – Lack of integrity can spread through a team, a company, like a disease. If leadership accepts shortcuts or shady business practices, an unspoken acknowledgement that this is acceptable occurs. Dishonest practices and inability to meet commitments also spreads through customer bases and in industry niches. Reputation can boost or bust your business.
Strong leaders, successful leaders allow their personal integrity to infuse their teams and businesses with inspiration, empowering all involved to build solid foundations. Take some time to evaluate your business and mission. Is your integrity woven into your actions and business practices? Are your team members engaged, working collaboratively beyond departmental silos to increase productivity? Does your team reflect the values that are most important to you?
Fire Power Seminars welcomes the opportunity to work with you and your team, to leverage employee engagement to attain more productivity and greater results. Our powerful seminars directly engage every participant, helps them recognize limiting mindsets, brings challenges to the forefront, and guides them to creative alternatives. From team building, communication and leadership training to executive and staff retreats and breakthrough coaching, Fire Power Seminars’ bold approach to creating and delivering customized programs is based on our ability to understand individuals’ and organizations’ unique challenges. Contact us to discuss how you can enhance your vision and mission!
Karen PfefferKaren is passionate about sharing powerful programs on communication, empowerment, team building and transformation. With a father from Kansas and a mother from Puerto Rico, Karen has a unique cultural mix that has inspired her to challenge stereotypes and “push the envelope” at every opportunity. She co-founded Fire Power Seminars with Connie Phelan in 2006 to empower individuals, organizations, and companies to achieve more than they ever thought possible.