Integrity at Work

Workplace integrity is tested constantly. Fudge the numbers. Take credit for someone else's work. Stay quiet when you see wrongdoing. Cut corners when nobody's checking. Every day presents opportunities to compromise. The man of integrity says no to these opportunities, even when saying yes would be easier, more profitable, or more popular.

Integrity at work isn't about being perfect. It's about having a line you won't cross and keeping your word even when it costs you.

Integrity Tests at Work

• Time: Do you work the hours you're paid for?
• Credit: Do you give credit where it belongs?
• Honesty: Do you tell the truth even when it's uncomfortable?
• Resources: Do you use company resources appropriately?
• Commitments: Do you keep your promises?
• Wrongdoing: Do you speak up when you see something wrong?

Your reputation is built on a thousand small decisions. Every time you do the right thing when no one's watching, you're building something. Every time you compromise, you're chipping away at it. Character compounds over time.

When Integrity Gets Hard

When everyone else is doing it: Culture doesn't define right and wrong.

When it might cost your job: Some things are worth more than a paycheck.

When no one will know: You'll know.

When the pressure is intense: Pressure reveals what's inside.

Your Action Steps

This week: Where is your integrity being tested at work right now?

This month: Make one decision based on integrity rather than convenience.

This quarter: Build a reputation as someone whose word can be trusted.