Integrity. The definition of integrity according to the Webster dictionary is: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or
artistic values: INCORRUPTIBILITY
Integrity = being incorruptible. In today’s society it appears that there is a time frame on integrity. What is it that causes us to cross the line and become corruptible? We start out our businesses, our marriages our friendships with the upmost integrity. It’s in our mission statements, our marriage vows and our sentiments to our friends.
Integrity does not have the word convenient in its definition but our actions regarding our integrity suggest that we believe convenience is at the heart of the word.
Take media mogul Rupert Murdoch for example. Rupert Murdoch was listed three times in the Time 100 as among the most influential people in the world. He is ranked 13th most powerful person in the world in the 2010 Forbes’ The World’s Most Powerful People list. With a net worth of US$6.3 billion, he is ranked 117th wealthiest person in the world. Surely this success comes from integrity, honesty and a respect for others.
However we now understand that integrity was simply sidelined for convenience and the lure of money and power. This organization hacked into unsuspecting individual’s private phone conversations, invaded privacy and broke the law all in the name of more. More power, more fame, more fortune.
Integrity begins to erode and our line in the sand is washed away as the prospect of more comes knocking on our door. This great seducer lurks at every corner as we climb to be the next best latest and greatest coach, inspirational speaker, top selling author, fastest growing company or youngest CEO.
Our once powerful message gets watered down as we back off and back down from our truths so that we might appeal to a greater audience selling more of our goods and services and partnerships to the highest bidder.
Integrity once a benchmark of our personal and business life fades as the bright lights of more, better, faster, light up the star studded path paved with corruption.