Integrity: Doing What is Right vs. Doing What is Easy

By DNI MarCom

“Choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.” – Brené Brown

“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” – C.S. Lewis

The third letter of our “SHINES” company culture acronym is I, which represents integrity. Integrity can be described as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles” or more simply “moral uprightness.” Integrity is somewhat different from the other values in our SHINES acronym, in that it isn’t always a quality that can be easily recognized from the outside; rather, it is a quality that is mostly expressed within one’s own self.

As you read on, my hope is that you will find practicing integrity consistently will eventually foster the confidence necessary to simplify our lives and ultimately live in peace.

While working from home, there are inevitably more non-work-related distractions than one would encounter working from the office, and the temptation to give in to these distractions can at times seem challenging. Understanding this, DNI encourages their employees to take appropriately-timed breaks throughout the day to assist in their work/life balance. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, DNI has been very fortunate to have employees who understand and practice integrity, especially as they continue their important work from home.

If you’ve been hiking, you may have seen a sign like the one pictured below:

Although the request seems simple, it may be tempting for some to litter. Integrity requires you to do the right thing—not the easy thing, even when nobody is watching.

It should go without saying, but you can also practice integrity without being asked to do so—this is usually even more satisfying than the other way around. Find some money on the ground and don’t know who it belongs to? Donate it to the Salvation Army or another cause you care about—just try to pay it forward! You’ll feel good about yourself and will likely make someone’s day in the process. Practicing integrity when nobody else is watching is the key to creating a healthy, and eventually habitual way of living.

One way you can practice integrity is by giving others the benefit of the doubt. It’s easier on one’s own mental health to think this way, anyways, since doing the opposite will only hinder you with frustration. But that’s not all!

Here are more some tips for fostering greater integrity in your own life:

• Tell the truth
• Don’t publicize negativity
• Don’t abuse your position
• Offer respect to every colleague
• Be forthcoming with important information
• Give credit where it’s due
• Try collaboration instead of competition
• Value diversity
• Be accountable for your actions
• Meet all deadlines
• Practice open communication
• Uphold moral standards of the job
• Approach challenges with courage

In conclusion, live with integrity! While it is not always easily recognized from the outside, over time, others will notice your honesty and hopefully emulate that same quality.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and give it a shot!