What would you do if you found money on the street? How would you handle it if no one saw you? Integrity means always doing the right thing, regardless of whether anyone is watching. In every moment of our lives, we are given the chance to demonstrate integrity and to be true to ourselves.
What It Takes to Have Everyday Integrity
Your integrity is put to the test daily, even if you don’t feel like you do. Just think of the world we’d live in if everyone followed these guidelines:
When it becomes evident that a relationship has ended, don’t delay but discuss it openly.
- Do your best to keep your promises, no matter what it takes.
- In case you forgot to pay for something in a store, go back and pay.
- No matter how bad things get, don’t betray a friend’s trust.
- Let the cashier know he gave you too much change.
- Avoid gossip and badmouthing others.
- Be loyal to your spouse or partner.
- When in a relationship, do not keep secrets from each other.
- If you find money dropped, return it without expecting a reward.
- Don’t follow someone’s advice on how to cheat on your taxes.
- Never let anyone else take the blame for your actions.
- Never divulge confidential information to anyone.
Integrity in the Workplace: Examples of ethical practice
There are usually ethics codes at workplaces that specify expectations for employees. Even if it isn’t stated in a company memo, it’s still imperative to have integrity in your job.
- Keep socializing, snacking, searching the internet, and personal phone calls to break time and work when you should.
- Return any extra change you found in the soda or snack vending machine.
- Treat co-workers with respect and empathy.
- Managers should inform their employees about upcoming events, so they are aware of what needs to be done.
- Follow company policies and procedures.
- Be accountable. Follow through with your promises.
- Use materials only for work purposes.
- Own up to your mistake if you mess up a team’s project or miss a deadline. Do not blame teammates for your mistakes.
- Be a team player. Trust will be built and integrity will be demonstrated.
- You should never steal from your workplace.
- Avoid getting yourself into a conflict of interest if you find yourself in one.
- Take no credit for other people’s work. You should not steal another person’s idea or pretend to have worked on a successful project.
- Be sure to put everything on the table when making a business deal.
- Don’t do anything against your personal code of conduct if your employer asks you to. Even if you lose a good paying job, so be it. Work for an ethical company instead.
Integrity in the Family: Examples of ethical practice
Integrity lessons begin in the family. By practicing integrity in small ways, parents and their children can navigate larger situations with ease.
Avoid being judgmental.
- Be honest about how you feel.
- Talk with your children about the natural consequences of their actions and what they can do differently next time.
- Encourage family members to apologize (and accept apologies) in a supportive environment.
- Make sure that honest, kind, considerate behaviour is rewarded.
- Children should see their parents reacting moderately to minor situations so that they don’t feel the need to lie to avoid trouble.
- Children should be able to discuss thorny issues from their day in open discussions.
- Help children develop independence.
- Let siblings settle their own conflicts.
- Let older children be role models for younger ones.
- Encourage personal growth for all.
- Keep in touch with one another and help one another through difficult times.
