What defines integrity these days?

When you describe your values to someone do you use the word integrity? Do you act with integrity? If yes, how so?

Here are today's headlines:

• Penn State scandal 
• "Fast and Furious" investigation 
• Congressional insider trading
• NBA lockout

It's easy to find places where integrity is scarce. As Seth Godin professes...scarcity creates value. 

In a world where bad behavior makes headlines we should strive to define our personal integrity. You will demonstrate value to an employer, client, friend, neighbor and so on. Acting with integrity can be summed up in a story or two about what you have done to help someone else.

Throwing around terminology without definition ("I'm for world peace") tends to be seen as generic. When you hear something that makes you say..."aren't we all" take it one step further and present it from your vantage point. This lays the foundation for your brand.   

Honoring Commitments

Business Network International (BNI) taught me how to develop business by building quality relationships. Will someone trust me enough to refer someone in their Rolodex to me? How couldn't they? I'm such a lovable guy!

I watched people's behavior in my BNI chapters and over time made judgments about whether I could refer business opportunities to them. If they behaved with integrity and showed interest in helping others first...they received my referrals. If they showed up late for our meetings, were unprepared, and looked to make the "quick hit" sale...they received nothing. No matter how hard we work to make life fair for everyone, there are some things that will never change. Acting with questionable integrity is almost impossible to overcome.

We win and lose support from others based on our commitments. When you commit to doing something, do it! If something comes up that interferes with your commitment, use the other "C" word...communicate. We have more communication tools now than ever.

Your personal brand can be influenced by many things. Your day to day commitments are being monitored by  your first level of contacts. Judgments are being made.

The goal is not to become a perfect person. We can strive to be conscious of our actions and realize that they have consequences, good or bad.