Integrity has ingredients called honesty, moral adherence, and a mind persuaded of its convictions. The true estimation of a man’s worth is not in the things he has acquired, but rather in the integrity he possesses. It becomes the cornerstone of success, because without it, our abilities and talents eventually lose their function.

When telling a lie would guarantee social acceptance, the strength required to tell the truth must be resting upon the pillars of our strongest convictions. In other words “Be Too Brave to lie.” Integrity is the financier of courage and a prospering character.

Not only does integrity support prosperity of character but entire nations. The reason for lack of growth in business and nations often can be traced to corruption. Honesty breeds trust which invites the investment of others to participate. A consistent atmosphere permeating with honest business transaction and government interaction, becomes a flourishing environment that prosperity germinates in.

Integrity is the breeding ground for innovation, sustained prosperity, growth, and creating a legacy for future impact in generations to come.

Interestingly, integrity relies on the construction material of ETHICS. The moral parameters that establish human value as a priority. It always promotes solution above profit and will take a stand for truth even when the threat of financial loss is inevitable. The strength of moral tethering must be able to hold fast though challenged by the waves of compromise and shady profits. Ethics is not a conditional term. It doesn’t blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is not a machine needing technological updates and advancements, but is the implemented core value system that has governed true success from the beginning of man.

Reason for Ethics

1. It holds people responsible for their behavior and demands accountability
2. A higher morale within your employees and the organization.
3. Morale stimulates higher productivity in employees and citizens.
4. It helps to attract new customers
5. It builds higher customer loyalty
6. It reduces the risk of negative press or backlash caused by doing “the wrong” things
7. It helps to make a positive impact on the community.

A business environment that promotes and upholds strong values is usually a happier and more productive workplace; customers receive good service so they keep coming back. Ethical business practices are not necessarily the most profitable methods in the short term, but they are essential for long-term organizational survival.

If it does not come from the top leadership, it will not permeate through the rest of the organization. Employees look to their top leaders for the behaviors they are expected to model. The same principle applies to national leadership and their constituents.

Experiencing success without integrity is failure

Reuben Egolf