Suddenly … Integrity Matters

I was watching the news last week and the topic that was being discussed was the Republican debate. News is usually boring enough on it’s own, but discussing a debate could be as bad as a report on how paint dries. In any case, I watched long enough to notice that the analyst was critiquing Congressman Ron Paul (TX). I paraphrase … but he said ‘you can agree or disagree with him, but if there is one thing that’s constant it’s his opinions and ideals. The man has had the same message for 20 years!’

A few days later (also watching the news) the analyst was offering his criticism of Governor Chris Christie (NJ). I must paraphrase here also, because since it was a news show I had no idea that they were actually going to say something important or relevant … and it’s likely that the message they were trying to send wasn’t the one that I picked up on. In any case … he said ‘love his views or hate his views he remains constant in his philosophy.’ How interesting I thought.

This week I’ve been listening to a Success Magazine CD that my friend (thanks Theresa) gave me. Apparently each month they send her a new CD about a specific topic that includes interviews with key leaders or titans of industry. This one had an interview with John C. Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell was talking on what leadership is and how in this day and age everyone can be, should be and probably is a leader at one time or another; depending on the circumstances that your team or group is faced with even if it is for a fleeting moment. He illustrated that leadership is more than just a title and that if you group is heading out to lunch and you are good with directions you very well may be the ‘leader’ while you are driving; only to give up the position when you get to your restaurant because someone else is familiar with their menu. Leadership can be for a few moments at a time. But it is a necessity of a leader to have integrity; for that person to know exactly what he/she stands for. In other words he was saying that in order to be an effective leader you have to have principles or core values that will be used to guide you in your decision making. And those principles must be unwavering.

Tip from Tubby – (stolen from the three illustrations above): Know who you are, know why you are who you are. No matter where you find yourself in life, if you have a solid foundation (values, principles) you will be able to stand tall. People may not always agree with you … but they will respect you.

Extra Tip from Zig Ziglar – “With integrity you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt. With fear and guilt removed you are free to be and do your best.”