Is it just me? Or does it seem like people in the workplace have less, and less, INTEGRITY?
So often, it seems that if you’re a customer complaining about an issue, or an employee depending on a fellow team member to get something done. People often let you down, with little to no thought of it.
Defining Integrity
So, what does it mean to have integrity? Well, it can be summed up with three simple principles. Keeping promises and commitments that you make to others. Being loyal to the absent, which means being careful not to say things behind someone’s back that you couldn’t own up to in their presence. And, being self-accountable, so others feel confident that they can depend on you.
Key Statistics
And, while it may seem like these THREE principles are simple and easy to live by – guess what? Sadly, over 50% of employees LACK integrity in the workplace. Can you believe that?
The Benefits of Having Integrity
So, why is INTEGRITY crucial in the workplace (and in our personal lives)? Because not only does acting with integrity build levels of loyalty and trust. But it also strengthens the RESPECT that others have for you. And you become an invaluable, key contributor to your work team, making others feel that they can’t get the job done RIGHT (and on time) without you. Now that’s what JOB SECURITY and SELF-VALUE is all about!
Action Steps to Improve
So, here are six things we can all start doing today to ensure our INTEGRITY is never in question.
And, they are applicable in our personal life, as well as in our professional careers.
ONE – When others help you, always express gratitude. If you make a habit of showing appreciation with a kind “thank you†or giving credit where it’s due — believe me, your colleagues will always feel compelled to reciprocate.
TWO – Value honesty and openness. Be transparent in your actions and behaviors, to ensure your integrity is never questioned – especially when it comes to ethical issues. And if you are in a leadership role, keep your team informed so they’re not blindsided concerning what’s coming up or needs to be done.
THREE – Practice self-accountability by owning up and being responsible for your actions,
good or bad. Never let someone else take the blame for something you’ve done. Let’s say, for instance, you make a mistake and the team’s project is in jeopardy or a deadline is missed. Don’t let your teammates take the fall.
FOUR – Treat everyone with the respect, regardless of their job title, socio-economic status, or education. And never abuse your position or status – remembering that everyone has the right to be treated with the highest level of dignity and respect.
FIVE – Meet your deadlines. If you agree to complete a task within a specific timeframe, honor it. And if for some reason you can’t notify the person right away – discussing a new timeline
that is more realistic to achieve.
And finally, SIX – Be loyal to the absent. Remember, doing the opposite is duplicitous. So, never betray someone’s trust (especially a friend) by gossiping, sharing private information, or speaking negatively of them in their absence. Because if you do so, the relationship will most definitely be tarnished, and extremely hard to repair.
So, there you have it! Why it’s important of act with integrity in everything you do; the benefits of doing so; and a few simple tips that we can all implement starting today.
And, of course, this list is not all inclusive. But hopefully, it’s got you started thinking about ways that you and your team can continue to elevate the customer experience; strengthen employee engagement; and create a world-class organization by demonstrating integrity in everything you do.
Thanks so much for watching and have a wonderful day.
About the AUTHOR
Theo Gilbert-Jamison is CEO of Performance Solutions by Design, a consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia that helps organizations exceed expectations by elevating the customer experience from average to extraordinary.
She is also author of several leadership books to include: The Six Principles of Service Excellence, and The Leadership Book of Numbers, Volumes 1 & 2. Prior to launching Performance Solutions by Design in 2003, she was VP of Learning & Development with Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company where she enjoyed a 17-year career.
Theo was also a key contributor, instrumental in implementing and sustaining processes and systems that led to The Ritz-Carlton becoming a two-time recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
With extensive background in Leadership Development and Human Resources, Theo works closely with organizations, ranging from private clubs, hospitality, healthcare, education, technology, and more. On average, her books, workshops, videos, and webinars are viewed by over 150,000 people annually.