Values of a Fearless Climber: Integrity

The following is an excerpt from the book:
Grow a Pair of Antlers: The Fearless Climb to Lead Your Herd

Integrity

Integrity means acting with high standards of performance, consistently,
regardless of whether or not anyone is watching you. People trust and
respect you when you demonstrate integrity through honesty, reliability,
hard work, and authenticity.

Integrity is the outward demonstration of your inner character.
Everything we do, every choice we make, and every word we speak is a
reflection of our integrity. In our formative years, our character is shaped by
our parents and teachers and the media. As we grow older, we become
responsible for our character traits. Telling lies and making excuses is
exhausting. The results are guilt, shame, low self-esteem, and broken
relationships. When you choose to set high standards of integrity for
yourself, you change the course of your life. People begin to trust you and
treat you with more respect. A commitment to honesty, reliability, hard
work, and authenticity improves your self-confidence, simplifies your life,
and brings you peace of mind.

When I sold my accounting consulting business years ago, I started my
job search with my client list. I decided to look for an opportunity in a
company that was stable, but had potential for growth. A place where my
skills would be valued and I could make a big impact. But the most
important quality I considered was the integrity of the business owner. He
or she needed to demonstrate a high level of integrity in how they managed
their money, their customers, and their employees. I had many wonderful
clients I could have talked with, but one long-term client met all the criteria.
I made him a proposal, we negotiated a little, then he hired me as his
company’s Controller. We have been a very successful team ever since
because we share the same dedication to financial integrity and the same
heart to “Be a Blessing” (his company motto) to…