Each time I discuss integrity, some people usually come to my mind. These people are those I have come in close contact with for a long time. They are those who conduct themselves with a great deal of honesty, self-discipline, and worth. They abstain from lies, pretence, and deception. They have unwavering commitments to ethical principles and moral guides. In all, they are known for uprightness of character and action and that’s the definition of integrity.
One of them is Lisa who has maintained high values and integrity in many ramifications since I know her. I and Lisa got married in the same family, though she married much earlier than me. From a distance, I saw the traits of integrity in her and when I got closer, my impression was confirmed. It started when she showed interest in starting my kind of business and she came to my office for a guide. Because I had great respect for her and her family, I didn’t hesitate to give her my best with no reservations. Ordinarily, we should be a bit worried about being in the same office and doing the same business in the same area but our spirits clicked so fast and we had great understanding and respect for each other.
She was always coming to my office, learning step by step and making progress.
With time, her personality started to unfold. She had the right attitude, deep commitment, passion, abilities, and sense of purpose. She modelled and promoted open communication, honesty, dependability, trust, sound judgment, and loyalty. In general, she exhibited distinguished
character traits in her personal, business, and even spiritual dealings. I began to trust and love her each passing day and that has never changed.
Lisa and I stayed for almost three years in my office, doing the same business before she eventually got her office and moved. Lisa never for a day gave me a reason to regret my decision. Instead, she added value to me, my business, and my family. She observed and adhered to our cooperate policies, respected the view of others, took responsibility for mistakes, and worthily conducted herself. For this reason, our business goals became more meaningful, and our closeness became stronger beyond business life. We were able to build trust, foster loyalty, and create enduring relationships. I see her as a sister and a confidant anytime.
In my entire personal and business life, I have come to realize that integrity is the foundation of other virtues, and it is fundamental in anything and everything we do. I have made a lot of posts on integrity and have intentionally tried to live by it. I have also reaped from the little blocks of integrity I have built, one of which is knowing that people trust me with huge capital businesses without seeing me. Most of my clients today are people I have never met or seen, yet I get steady patronage and referrals from them, thanks to integrity.
The way people relate with us, the way we are regarded, the way we are recognized, the way people speak about us, and the general impression we make on people are all products of integrity. Age, family, class, beauty, brain, achievements, possessions, and so on make no meaning without integrity. To bag the honour of integrity should be the goal of every individual or corporate entity.
Nothing is worth maintaining in life, more than Integrity. I implore everyone, young and old, to inculcate the values of integrity at home, and in school. Practice integrity in school, represent integrity at your workplace, embrace Integrity in your worship centre, uphold integrity in your relationship with people, and be the epitome of integrity in society. Integrity is the only achievement that lasts for a lifetime and sustains our name even beyond our existence.
In Psalm 78:72, it was recorded that King David led with the integrity of heart and skilful hands and resolved to walk with integrity. In contrast, King Saul’s leadership lacked integrity, which was the major reason for his downfall.
With integrity, we can go places in life and achieve much with little effort. Clearly, integrity/attitude surpasses competence/capability in a work environment because its outcome is sustained even after work. Some sensitive positions in high places are held only by people of integrity. Without integrity, your wealth and possessions have no foundation!
I respect people with integrity, even among the younger folks. It starts with believing in yourself, knowing your worth, and working out a standard of value. I am always at peace dealing with people of integrity no matter how rough it gets. A person of integrity easily bounces back after a setback rather than one without integrity. People with integrity are more attracted to help, assistance, favour, and goodness. As the saying goes, a good name is better than silver and gold. Integrity promotes love, peace, joy, and contentment. Lies, cheating, deceit, pretence, gossip, arrogance, waywardness, etc, all deform Integrity. Integrity is indispensable for a lasting relationship and sustainable business. A person of integrity commands attention and his opinions are respected. Even some faults and shortcomings are most times concealed by integrity. It is never too late to build integrity!
Integrity does not happen overnight. it is earned with time. Without integrity, no matter how you see and serve God in your religious corner, you lack true substance. Nothing can be entrusted to you without integrity, not even your own words! Let’s embrace Integrity, let’s embrace self-worth, and hope to be identified with integrity.
✍️Amara Ann Unachukwu
