The late 90’s were a period of testing for me as it relates to integrity. I recall once a co-worker who I will call “Cindy” commented that I had and showed great integrity. That statement has been a measuring stick for me through the years that have followed.

This trait seems to be lacking in many organizations and individuals. When you try to take a shortcut around integrity you only end up hurting yourself. I saw this firsthand. I had a senior level manager tell me that he heard that my position with a company I was working for might be eliminated. Instead of asking the owner of the company if this was true, I allowed myself to go down a path with an employee that did not show integrity. I should have confronted the situation.

That experience taught me a great deal. The first lesson that faith and fear cannot live in the same space. Second, I sold my integrity based on the fear of losing a paycheck. Choosing the right can be a lonely path. Keeping your integrity intact, is the path to peace.

Currently, I am reading a book called Integrity Selling – Ron Willingham. In this book he shares several Integrity Selling Success Principles. One of my favorites is:

“Selling success is more an issue of who you are than what you know. While knowledge is necessary, sustained success comes to the person who’s driven by strong values and ethics.”

This statement is so true. We buy people. When we make the decision to trust or invest our resources, the who is the deciding factor. If you desire to build a stronger business or happier life check your values. Integrity does not have varying degrees. You either have it and show it or you don’t.

I know that when you have integrity success will be sure to come.