Linda here.

I was having coffee with a successful realtor friend recently.  She’s growing her business by building a team of the brightest and best professionals she can find.
She recently interviewed a new realtor, John.  He was intelligent, energetic and hungry to be successful, all traits she was seeking.   

She learned that morning John had signed up with someone else, and to make matters worse, had gone behind her back in an attempt to recruit members of her current team.  She was appalled at his treachery and felt she’d dodged a bullet by not hiring him.

Integrity demands doing the right thing in all circumstances, even if no one is watching.  Integrity means being true to yourself and avoiding any action that would demean or dishonor you.

John, you flunked the integrity test BIG time.

Integrity is not tested during “normal” times, it’s when a crisis occurs or a dilemma arises, that our integrity is on the line.

Where are you on the integrity scale?  Check out these red flags.

1. It’s all about you.  Selfish people harm their organizations, families and friends.
2. Your self-esteem rises and falls with the opinion of others.  A secure leader sees the right way and leads people there through tough conditions.  An insecure leader will bend with every change.
3. You hide things.  Are you hiding actions or omissions you’re ashamed of?  If you’re keeping such secrets, you’re heading for a fall.
4. You don’t do what you said you were going to do.  This isn’t only about keeping promises; it’s about being trustworthy because your word is your bond.
5. You make too many compromises.  Leadership isn’t about getting everyone to like you, it’s about getting people to go where they wouldn’t go if it wasn’t for leadership.  If you make too many concessions your effectiveness will be compromised.

Integrity may seem old fashioned, but it is as relevant today as it ever has been.  When crises hit (and they will), integrity gives you the ability to live and lead through difficult times.