Apr 29th, 2021
Feature Article
Integrity Is Everything.
Written by: David Stevens, Director of Business Development
It’s what you do when no one is watching.
Merriam-Webster defines integrity as “a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.” It’s also defined as “the quality or state of being complete or undivided.” To put that in layman’s terms, someone who is acting with integrity will remain even keel in all scenarios, whether at home with their family, in the office with a colleague, or in a meeting with a client. Someone practicing integrity presents the same face to everyone in every situation. They act as a whole.
In our line of business though, defining integrity can be a bit more complex. It is much more than just wearing the same face in every situation. Throughout my time at Clientek I’ve watched each and every employee exemplify traits that support our expression of integrity. It wasn’t until I sat down to write this article that I took a step back to see what behaviors seemed unique to our structure and approach.
I’ve identified four commonly overlooked behaviors that I believe are essential for any person or corporation looking to convey true integrity:
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Responsibility - In every facet of life there are points in which decisions must be made and actions must be taken. Depending on the situation at hand, taking responsibility for those things may not always be easy. Practicing true integrity requires an undying will to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do – no matter the repercussions.
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Transparency - Nobody likes to admit when they are wrong; especially when it involves something as crucial and impactful as one of our projects. But transparency in terms of integrity is not just about fessing up to a mistake, it’s about addressing the situation and bringing light to the fact that you understand the misstep and are prepared to remedy the issue.
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Humility - Manifesting humility can be incredibly difficult. Having the wherewithal to express your excitement following achievements while remaining humble and level-headed is no simple feat. There is a stark difference between being confident and being arrogant. If someone is practicing true integrity there should be no question as to which they are conveying.
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Reliability - While this one may sound simple, we all know full well that it’s not. Following through on every single aspect of a proposed engagement from start to finish is nearly impossible. At the drop of a hat things can change, shift, and rearrange. Showcasing reliability should stem from how you react and communicate change, not your adherence to an outdated set of objectives.
I challenge you to start watching those around you and take note of how their behaviors affect your perception of their integrity. After all, integrity is something we all strive for.
In my humble opinion, the key to conveying true, honest integrity starts with a mindset. You’ve never acted a certain way in order to have someone praise you for your “integrity,” you acted that way because it was the right thing to do. Keep that up.
Do what is right, not what is easy.
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