What is integrity?
(Wikipedia)
"Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and morals.
Integrity is a personal choice, an uncompromising and predictably consistent commitment to honor moral, ethical, spiritual and artistic values and principles."
We live in a world where such words are not used on a regular basis. We live in a world where it is okay, in certain environments, to discard such things as integrity. I have heard it said, "it is not a lack of integrity, it's just business smarts." How many areas of life can we think of where it is okay to abandon such things as integrity in the name of business, self promotion, accomplishments, or such?
We live in a world where bathroom tissue rolls appear bigger perhaps misleading people to think they are getting more. Do they think we do not notice how loosely the rolls are wound or how the cardboard rolls in the center are much larger? Do manufacturers think we don't notice how cereal boxes appear to be the same size on the shelf but are much skinnier? Do we not notice how the chip bags have less product in them but more air?
Sure, there may be reasons for some of this. Perhaps the air protects the chips from breaking. The boxes are skinnier so they ship better, and on and on. It seems to me the idea of giving the consumer what they had been getting, are expecting to get, or even giving them more, has taken a backseat to making more money. Today, there are more millionaires than ever. In fact, I have read that being a millionaire is not thought of as being that great a success. Today, being a billionaire is what sets you apart. In our tough economy with so many people barely getting by, if at all, how can it be that so many more people have become so much more wealthy. I guess somewhere in an explanation might be the wording, "higher profits."
I am not begrudging people's success. What I am saying is that it seems people, on many levels, no longer get what they are paying for. My mom had a refrigerator that was 35 years old. She never had an issue with it - ever. I had a top of the line refrigerator with all the bells and whistles that went through three compressors and ended up in the dump after a few years. I am told the new term is, "Planned Obsolescence." What happened to the days where manufacturers prided themselves on building the longest lasting product on the planet? I know, where is the money in that? So, today with all the new technology, finest designers, finest materials, and finest processes, why do we see products that don't even begin to last as long as the ones built before all these new methods? Where is the consumer in that?
If we can give the people more for their money, why don't we?
I have also heard integrity being defined as "doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." So, if we are a world or country of integrity, why does it seem like no one obeys the speed limit? Why does it seems so many people run stop signs and roll red lights? What happens to integrity when one is impatient or heaven forbid in a hurry? If what they are doing is okay, why then does everyone slow down when they see a policeman sitting on the side of the road?
I am not writing this to judge or condemn manufacturers or drivers. I am writing this to say, if we love and care about our fellow man, why do we do such things? If we care about those who will buy what we make, why don't we give them more than they might expect? Why don't we find pride in building the longest lasting product made? Why do we get angry when the person in front of us is NOT breaking the speed laws?
Could integrity be a thing of the past? Is integrity something we only read about but never see or experience? I am sure it exists in some places. I am sure it cannot be completely dead. That being said, shouldn't it be a part of every person's life and value package? Isn't it a good thing to want to display?
Would you agree that if we cared and loved those who share this planet with us, we would be a people of integrity because having or lacking integrity affects those around us ... doesn't it?
Maybe I think about "old fashioned" and "out dated" things too much. But, I know I am not alone. I have run across other people who think the same. I may have mentioned this some time before but will again. John Gordon has authored books such as Training Camp, The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, The Seed, and many others. He and his company impressed me some time ago. I had just completed reading Training Camp and was extremely motivated. The book delivered what I anticipated when I bought it. I went to his website to order some materials pertaining to the book. I placed my order and was advised delivery would take a few weeks. I received my order in a couple days. I phoned and talked to his assistant. I explained how surprised and impressed I was, to which he explained that company policy was to give the customer more than expected or promised. In my experience, they did just that. That happened about 5 years ago and I am still impressed.
There are other people and companies that have impressed me in such a way. However, there are so very many more that have left me feeling taken advantage of, misled, or who have not done what they claimed they would do. Such experiences leave me feeling they care nothing about me and everything about my wallet. The gap between the two is monumental.
In loving and caring about those around us, we can live and work with a sense of integrity. We can all breath new life in to an old fashioned idea. We can serve others a little more. We can be kinder and more eager to fix complaints. We can strive to deliver more than promised. We could take only an hour for lunch. If we hit a car in the parking lot, we could wait for the person to return and take responsibility for it. We could do the right thing, even if no one is looking.
Let's give integrity a chance. Let's teach others about living a life of integrity by exhibiting it ourselves. Call me old fashioned, but I think it is really a very good thing. I hope you do too.