Integrity
By
Ken Gladney
Loss Prevention Coordinator
Half Price Books
Recently a peer and I were talking about integrity, and what does integrity
really mean. The word or term integrity gets thrown around a lot in the business
world. Specifically in our profession and industry everyone we speak with states
they have a high level of integrity. Most organizations have vision and mission
statements, values and principles that always have a bullet point about
integrity. During job interviews we are often asked about integrity and what it
means to us. As Loss Prevention professionals we deal with integrity issues or
most often the lack of integrity. But, really what is integrity?
Webster’s defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and fair”. From a
basic standpoint that sounds about right. We often associate integrity in the
retail business world as “doing the right thing when no one is watching”. I
would agree with that too. However, I would like to take it one step further. Is
Integrity also “doing the right thing even though you may face negative
consequences?” This sounds a little strange, because the foundation of integrity
is honesty; and, if you’re honest there shouldn’t be any negative consequences.
My thinking behind this is simple. Upon entering the U.S. Marine Corps. a
recruit is introduced to fourteen Leadership Traits. One of which is integrity.
In the Marine Corps integrity is the cornerstone of one’s character. Integrity
in the Marine Corp. is about earning trust, and acting with honor when eyes are
on you, and when no one is watching. By the way Honor is one of the core values
of a Marine. In the Marine Corp. integrity is not just a word. It’s a culture
and a belief.
I learned the true definition of integrity as a young Marine when I was faced
with challenging and countering an order by a senior enlisted Marine. I knew
that the outcome of the mere challenge was not going to be good. However, I knew
that what I was doing was the right thing for my Marines, and the overall
mission. I also knew that if it didn’t work out I was in for a long hard tour of
duty. However, it did work out and the respect I gained from this harden old
school Marine, as well as my Marines would carry forward forever. Most would
argue that was really some form of intestinal fortitude, and it was. However,
more importantly it was about my level of personal and professional integrity
and doing the right thing. Remember as a Marine this was my culture and belief.
Carry that lesson forward to our business and industry world. How many of us
would do the same in our everyday business? Would you challenge something, or do
the right thing as you stare in the face of negative consequences? Do you really
have the high level of personal and professional integrity you claim to have?
When it’s all said and done. No matter how far we have progressed in our
profession. No matter how much money we’ve made. No matter how many possessions
we’ve amassed; the only thing we take with us is our integrity.
Lastly I would like to close with this quote by an unknown person, “Integrity is
choosing your actions based on values rather than personal gain”.
Just my thought....
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