The dictionary defines integrity as: "Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code."
In today's world of assigning blame, evasion, greed or just plain lying, it seems integrity is becoming a thing of the past. Banking, financial, energy (including oil and gas companies), and retail giants and, of course, politicians are just a few examples where the word integrity is just that ... a word.
On Wall Street the institutions American taxpayers bailed out passed out individual bonuses that would feed a family of four for years.
Religious leaders for decades have preached the value of integrity while blatantly thumbing their nose at its practice; from the tent evangelists of the early 1920s to the Pope today.
Last week the heads of three major corporations appeared before Congressional hearings. All three disavowed any blame for the recent disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, each pointing a finger at the other.
It seems every election held in the United States uncovers some politician's disregard for this quality.
In this one person's view's,integrity goes hand-in-hand with responsibility.
Standing up for what is right and accepting responsibility for your actions, as well as, the responsibility for those who are your subordinates. The response: "I wasn't aware" is unacceptable. As a leader, executives should be aware of what is going on.
From the 11th through the 20th centuries duels have taken place to redress a perceived wrong. It was a matter of honor.
Integrity and honor are solidly linked. One definition of honor is: "Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity."
If, for a thousand years honor and integrity were worth fighting for, even to the death, doesn't it make you think this quality is so precious that we should practice, demand and yes, fight for it today?
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