7. The integrity of the individual - the fruit of hard work

The integrity of the person is not given to a person at birth. It is necessary for the formation of self-discipline, inner sense of self-belief and determination to be absolutely honest in every situation. Unfortunately, the strength of character has become a rarity these days. Because of this modern culture has created very few real heroes, the sample integrity and durability. We have become a nation of imitators, but we have too few leaders worthy of emulation.

The very meaning of the term "personal integrity" began to spread out and lose its original meaning. Say these words somewhere in Hollywood, on Wall Street or in any other equally significant place - and stare at you blankly. For most of his contemporaries, these words are associated with old-fashioned stiffness and limited views. At a time when the meanings of words are manipulated all and sundry, the fundamental values ​​can in no time be scattered in the dust.

The integrity of the individual - values ​​antithetical to the spirit of our time. Modern culture is based on a philosophy of life, to put on the central materialistic, consumer mentality. The need of the moment replacing the values ​​that are enduring, eternal value.

Betraying the other person, we betray ourselves. As the poet said:

And now, as in former times,

Appoint a person price.

For thirty coins Judas

Sold himself, not Christ.

The great preacher Billy Graham said, "The integrity of character - the glue that connects our actions in life. We need to be out to preserve it. When wealth is lost - nothing is lost, when health is lost - lost something, but if character is lost, everything is lost. "*

* Newsweek Magazine, August 24 1987, 11.

Ask yourself the question: "Honest I in relation to yourself? '. The words of the American poet Edgar Guest's become a touchstone for checking the integrity of all your actions:

I was destined to live with himself,

And I want to be worthy of himself,

I want the day to day

I could easily see myself in the eye.

I do not want the evening at sunset

Hating himself for what he had done during the day.

I do not want to hide in the enclosure depth

A bunch of secrets about himself.

I do not want to entertain the thought

That no one, anywhere, ever

Do not know what I am in reality.

I do not want to cheat and pretend

I want to go with my head held high,

I want to earn the respect of all people,

And even in the struggle for fame and money

I want to be able to respect yourself.

I do not want to look at myself and know

What I'm bragging, bluffing, playing a role.

Never shall I hide myself from myself,

I can see what others can not see,

I know that others may not know

I do not deceive myself.

Whatever happens, I want to live?

With a clear conscience and respect for himself.

That is to say, "test number one" of your self. Now-a "test number two." Ask yourself the question: "Honest I respect your line leader? '.

Joseph Bailey interviewed more than three hundred people holding senior executive positions, and found that all of them have gained the experience and knowledge "from hand to hand" from their mentors *. The philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "Our main desire - to meet on the path of life a person who can help us become what we can be." Faced with such a person, we need to constantly check their growth by asking the question: "I have to verify if the use of knowledge and skills received from a mentor? '. Any attempt to cheat, "skhalyavit" is going to hurt and hurt you and your mentor.

And now the last test, "Test number three", "Honest I in relation to his followers?" Any leader understands that a wrong decision will harm not only to himself but also his followers. And if the wrong decision was the result of your wrong reasons? Before you reach for the reins of leadership should realize that we teach others what we know ourselves. As his followers we reproduce themselves. The integrity of the individual - it's a constant inner work.

* Joseph Bailey, «Clues For Success in the President's Job», Harvard Business Review, 1983.

According to James Kouzes and Barry Posner, authors of the book "The test of leadership", the followers in the first place come to expect from the leaders display four qualities: honesty, competence, inspiration and vision *.

Make a list of your values ​​in life. Beliefs - the ideas or principles in accordance with which you live, for who are ready, if need be, even to sacrifice their lives. What are your beliefs?

Ask the person who knows you well, in what areas of life you show the sequence (doing exactly what you are talking about), and in which - inconsistent (saying one thing and doing another.)