Integrity

“Image is what people think we are; integrity is what we really are.” - John C. Maxwell

I am sure that many of you like me grew up with your parents telling you that honesty is the best policy. None of us are perfect, but I do strive to be honest, and I value integrity. Last week someone confessed to me that they were being dishonest at work. They confessed because they assumed that I had discovered the lie, but I believe those assumptions were because of the guilt they felt. This person lacked integrity.

We live in a world where headlines are often dominated by people who make the wrong choices and people who make the right ones seem to be rare. I think most people do try to be honest and value integrity.

"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking." -C.S. Lewis

Random House Dictionary defines integrity as:

• Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

• The state of being whole, entire or undiminished.

• A sound, unimpaired or perfect condition

To simplify, I believe integrity mirrors the Golden Rule where we are commanded to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31). As CS Lewis quoted above , Integrity is the act of behaving honorably, even when no one is watching.

Personal Integrity will carry over to integrity in the workplace. Integrity in the workplace applies itself through the business relationships with those team members around you. As I have thought about integrity the last few days, I made a list of traits I believe are examples and what I hope others see in me:

Work Hard

• Employees who have integrity are willing to go above and beyond with their work and assist others when necessary.

• We have an opportunity to listen and understand issues/challenges and think outside the box on options and recommendations. Making a decision that is the right long term solution and collaborating well with our stakeholders is an example of great work.

Honor commitments

• Integrity in the workplace begins by showing up on time and dedicating yourself to your job.

• I know in Healthcare IT that we are often drowning and there is never a lack of work. Ensure you are putting in your hours to complete your work and offer assistance to your team if you have extra time.

Resolve issues appropriately.

• Work environments are never entirely free of conflict. It is important to know how to face, manage, and deal with the issues with integrity.

• Approach issues honestly, calmly, and respectfully.

• Figure out the root of the problem first, have open communication, listen to others, and resolve the matter accordingly.

Courageous

• One squeaky wheel can ruin work life for everyone.

• Many of us in Healthcare IT are now working remotely from home or in a hybrid model and it is a privilege and something we want to maintain. When one of us is unethical and abuses a privilege it affects us all and puts us all at risk.

• You must report any unethical behavior to your organization.

Responsible

• Those with integrity take accountability for their actions.

• Everyone makes mistakes now and then. Accepting responsibility for your mistakes reveals that you are honest.

Team Player

• Successful companies do not owe their accomplishments to one individual; they thrive because of the collective efforts of the team.

• As part of a bigger team, you are counted on to fully cooperate with your colleagues to be successful.

Honest

• Integrity requires honesty. Those with integrity strive to be truthful. If you are in doubt if you should be doing something ask yourself these two questions:

  1. If my choice was printed on the front page of the newspaper for everyone to see, would I feel ok about it?

  2. If I make this choice, will I feel OK with myself afterward?

Helpful

• Those with integrity are gracious when others provide assistance. They express gratitude and recognize the achievements of the people they work with.

"Integrity, the choice between what is convenient and what is right." - Tony Dungy

Having integrity or doing what is right is not always the easiest path, but it is the most rewarding. While I believe integrity is more of a quality than a skill, it can still be developed. Here are some questions we can regularly ask ourselves to ensure we are continuing to develop and improve.

• Am I accountable for my behavior and the decisions I make?

• Do I accept responsibility for my mistakes?

• Am I setting a good example for others?

• Do I always follow through on my commitments and promises?

• Do I act in ways that build trust with my team?

What are other traits that are examples of integrity that you admire?

Until next time.... - Leigh