The Character of Integrity

Character Leadership - The Character of Integrity

"Love all, trust a few. Do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare

 

Definition:   Steadfast attitude to a strict moral or ethical code

Hypocrisy, Dishonesty, and Corruption are the opposites of integrity. When we carry out these negative traits or do not keep our word, we are misrepresenting our own good name. We must be on guard with modern teaching of relativism where people who will do all they can to try to convince us to give up our integrity and character by appealing arguments, passionate pleas, peer pressure, rationalizations, and ridicule on a personal level on why we do not need integrity.

The character of integrity is essential for deeper relationships and developing other people’s confidence in you because integrity will produce honor, truth, and reliability. It will allow one to keep his or her word and do the best even when no one else is aware. It is also considered the quintessence and application of Character and the demonstration of who we are and that our reputation is real and backed up with our attitude and word. The absence of integrity is an indication that we are perhaps fakes and frauds at worst, and ineffective and useless at best. It is essential that we pursue integrity because it will build trust with our relationship with family and friends.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Do I strive to have integrity in what I do?” Being honest and truthful is not easy in our society when many are compromising truth and honesty with lies and more lies. If we stand out to be bold to be honest and truthful, we will be outstanding and will gain much respects from others around us. We must also stay away from unhealthy talks and mindless games. We can be funny at times and say things to make others laugh but if we do not have self-control and stop at appropriate time, we will become ridiculous and will look silly. This is counteractive to the character of integrity we strive to have.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with integrity and what flows out of integrity are trusts from others and outstanding confidence. People with integrity usually will attract many wanting to be mentored because they can be trusted and others want to learn from them. As such, a mentor must not be critical and should be an encourager instead. This will greatly enhance the integrity one already has. We cannot also be greedy with money and must learn to “Love people, use money. Not use people, love money”