Core 1 - INTEGRITY (pp. 59 - 72)

Hi ya'll. Hope everyone is doing well!

Covey uses the metaphor of a tree to demonstrate the 4 Cores of Credibility with the roots being Integrity (Character). "Even though it's underground and not even visible most of the time, it is absolutely vital to the nourishment, strength, stability, and growth of the entire tree."

Have you ever employed a mentality that says, "The ends justifies the means."? You don't have to admit it right here, of course. And this could open up a big can of 'ethical frameworks' debate, but Covey is making a point. Justifying wrong actions is not integrity.

It might be at this point in the book where we get discouraged at the high demands that integrity requires and fold it up and put it away.  Even if you don't feel you are currently at your best, let's keep reading. I personally feel integrity is something we ebb into and out of, even though integrity does imply honorable consistency. We are human, we try, we fail. Let's keep trying.

I like the point made that ethics (adherence to rules and regulations) implies compliance. Integrity is much more than just compliance.  Chris Bauer, (psychologist, corporate ethics trainer) commented, "It's a psychological issue - [there is] an absence of core values, confusion about what is the right thing to do." I don't know about ya'll, but it seems to me like we're in a time where many are confused about right and wrong, which makes understanding an objective standard of integrity difficult to pin down, much less stand for.

You will remember that Integrity is one of our 6 Core Competencies for building high-performing leaders at Ebco. Our statement is that KP's (knowledgeable partners) demonstrate the character necessary for effectively leading others (and self) in ways that are moral, ethical, authentic and consistent.

Covey asserts that integrity is made up of: Congruence, Humility & Courage:

Congruence = when there is no gap between intent and behavior.

Humility = demonstrated through a person who is more concerned about what is right instead of who is right

Courage = doing the right thing, even when it is hard

How to Make a Powerful Difference in Increasing your Integrity:

1) Make and keep commitments to yourself - "There is absolutely nothing you can do that will increase integrity faster than learning how to make and keep commitments to yourself. Covey advises, don't make too many commitments (lest you get overwhelmed). Treat a commitment you make to yourself with as much respect as you do the commitments you make to others. Don't make commitments impulsively. Sounds like great advice to me!

2) Stand for something - "You can't work from the inside out if you don't even know what's inside. (Insert story of the priest & soldier... who are you, where are you going, why are you going there?)

3) Be Open - Openness is vital to integrity. "He who cannot change the very fabric of his thought will never be able to change reality, and will never, therefore, make any progress." Mic drop. (If anyone wants extra brownie points, google 'confirmation bias' and blend that into this point about being open!

So...let's hear your thoughts on this section. Good stuff, huh guys?