Previously, we discussed the question of integrity. So what is integrity anyway? The dictionary defines integrity as “rigid
adherence to a code of behavior”. I
define it as doing the right thing, in all situations, even when no one else is
watching. Is this a code of conduct, a
method of performance, or a way of life?
Does it apply to your personal life or to your business life, or to
both?
If you are a regular reader of this blog’s postings, you
know the answer to those questions.
Integrity is a way of life, applicable to both your personal and
business lives, to everything that you do.
In your personal life, is integrity treating everyone like you would
want to be treated, applying the golden rule, “do unto others as you wish them
to do unto you”? Shouldn’t you always
treat others as you would prefer to be treated?
Doesn’t this philosophy apply equally to your business
life? Can you actually treat your
clients, your prospects, as you would wish to be treated by them? Can this philosophy apply even in light of
the pressures and practices of running a successful business? Can you still be profitable if you treat
everyone as you would want them to treat you?
Is any business which practices the Golden Rule able to exist in these
troubled economic times? Isn’t this one
of the facets of Appreciation Marketing?
Of course you can succeed if you spread fairness and decency
to everyone that you meet, everyone with whom you do business. If you want to be treated as a professional
person, one who is living your life and operating a business in a professional
manner, you need to treat others as professionally as you can. You must let your passion for your business
and way of life show to everyone that you meet, allowing them to understand
your passion, and opening yourself to their passion for whatever they are as
equally passionate as you are.
Most of all you need to treat everyone in a personable
manner, as actual people, as individuals who are not just account numbers or a
means to an end, either personal or in your business. They are worthy of your best treatment, your
kindness, your honesty, and your integrity, provided on a consistent
basis. Doing all this makes you stand
out among those others who do not provide all or part of this on a regular
basis.
The practice of integrity must be followed on a habitual
basis, each and every day, with everyone with whom you engage, either in your
personal life or your business life. You
cannot be one person in your personal life and another in your business
one. You are just one person, and
integrity cannot be turned on and off, like a faucet. You must adhere to the principles of
integrity at all times, even when no one is watching. After all, you are watching.
The principles of karma state that you will receive back
whatever you put forth. It does not
matter whether you put forth good or bad efforts. It will not come back to you from where you
put it forth, but it will come back to you from somewhere. If you practice integrity towards others,
others will practice it towards you. If
you assist someone in their business prospering, someone with do so for you,
and that is how integrity applies in these times.
Another great article Jim!
ReplyDelete