No matter where your career path leads you, the number one thing to hold onto is a sense of integrity. To me, this involves waking up each morning feeling like I truly did my best, made decisions based on honesty and principle, and behaved with positive intent toward the people in my life. It means I’m proud of my effort, regardless of outcome or mistakes or success. Integrity is something that I control—nobody can take it away from me unless I let them—and it’s what I rely on as an ethical compass in times of struggle, confusion, or difficulty.
Other people seem to feel the same way. A 2016 survey by Robert Half Management Resources cited integrity as the single most important leadership attribute, followed closely by fairness and collaboration. It makes sense: if you believe a person has integrity, you’re more likely to trust him, view him as competent and kind, and practice commitment. I also find it interesting that integrity generally has very little to do with job titles or positions held. Figuring out how best to align your decisions with your own personal values, thinking through the consequences of any decision, and making choices based on the kind of future you want are some of the most important things you’ll ever do—whether it’s related to your career, your relationships, your health, your education, or your faith. In this challenge we’ll talk about the importance of appreciating others, holding yourself accountable, and using integrity as a tool to build character.