10 tips on maintaining integrity ( copied from The Sun newspaper, 2004 )
1. Clarify your own core values -
Determine the core values that you choose to live your life by and are willing to stand by them. Subsequently, translate them into a set of guiding principles. More importantly, conform to these principles in your daily behaviour and decision making.
2. Be truthful -
People are generally more tolerant of learning something they "dont want to hear" than finding out that someone lied to them. ( this is very true...)
3. Honour your promises -
Honouring promises and commitments is vital for people to perceive you as being dependable or reliable. Never make promises that you don't intend to keep. Similarly, never make decisions that you cannot support.
4. Show consistency in behaviour -
Consistency in behaviour is crucial for others to trust you. In Peter Drucker's words : " Effective learning....is not based on being clever; it is based primarily on being consistent ". Mistrust arises generally from not knowing what to expect.
5. Practise open and honest communication -
Open and honest communication engenders confidence and trustworthiness. Fully disclose relevant information to parties involved, ensure decision-making criteria are overtly clear, explain the rationale for your decisions and be forthright about problems.
6. Demonstrate fairness and objectivity -
Be objective and fair in your dealings with others. Make judgments based upon facts.
7. Take responsibility -
Admit mistakes or errors in judgments. Avoid blaming others for every problems.
8. Share credit for succeses -
Acknowledge others people's contributions.
9. Never violate confidences -
Maintain confidentiality. Resist the temptation to feel important by leaking secrets.
10. Maintain loyalty -
Be loyal to your friends or followers. Never manipulate them in pursuit of self-interest.
