I is for Integrity

I is the ninth letter of the alphabet. I is also the pronoun for self. It is also one of the five vowels, and is an integral part of many words in English. There are many words which start with I, including the name of my country, India. Some of the powerful descriptive words that start with I include words like impressive, ingenuous, indispensable, industrious, infinite, influential, innocent, insightlful, innocuous, inspirational, intelligent, intellectual, etc.

My chosen word for this post is Integrity. The dictionary meaning of integrity is “the quality of being honest and having strong principles”, and with reference to countries or objects it is “the state of being whole and undivided”.

To me integrity means being honest, straightforward and truthful all rolled into one. Integrity means what you say, what you mean and what you do, is the same. It is a strong quality to have, and someone who has this, not only has a higher self confidence, but also higher credibility in the eyes of others.

Most of the business leaders around the world attach more importance to integrity than any skill or character trait. Some of the quotes below illustrate the value of integrity more than anything I can say

· In looking to hire people, look for three traits — integrity, intelligence and energy. If they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you. — Warren Buffet

· The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. — Bob Marley

· Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you. — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

· When you are able to maintain your own highest standards of integrity — regardless of what others may do — you are destined for greatness.– Napoleon Hill

· Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. — Samuel Johnson

And my absolute favourite is

Integrity is about authenticity and honesty. It is about being true to yourself and everyone who matters to you. It is about doing the right thing, under all circumstances. It is a trait that I aspire to have in all my conduct, and one that I keep measuring all my decisions with.

Unfortunately, there are very few examples of integrity in our public life, except in sports. Some of our greatest sportspersons have always displayed integrity in their on-field behaviour. There are several instances in cricket when the fielding captain has overturned the decision of an umpire when he was convinced that it was a wrong decision.

Sometimes one is tempted to compromise on integrity for short term gains, especially when hard work and dedication does not yield quick results. But it is at these times that one needs to remember that the damage one does to one’s self image and reputation by compromising on integrity, is irreparable in the long term. It always pays off in the long term to behave with integrity. What’s more, people with higher integrity tend to sleep better.

I will be happy to hear your thoughts on this subject. Do let me know what you think. If you have a story or anecdote where someone has displayed high integrity, in a challenging situation, please do share.