Business Leadership: Walking in Integrity

“He who walks in integrity, walks securely.” Proverbs 10:9

Whether you are an employee or in business for yourself, your ultimate goal should be to become a man or woman of integrity. When you learn to operate at the highest possible level of integrity, the benefits will spill over and affect every area of your life–your family, your friendships, and the way you view the world.


Integrity: - noun

1. possession of firm principles – the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards : honesty, honor, reliability, uprightness

2.  completeness – the state of being complete or undivided

Need Job Security? Try Integrity

Many people, in an attempt to gain job security, use worldly methods. Now, don’t get me wrong. Some things the world has to offer are very good and can definitely cause you to prosper in business. Updating your skills, breaking into new fields, or continuing your college education all incease your value. But without integrity, these additional skills won’t get you very far. In order to maximize your level of success in business, you have to actively cultivate an attitude of honor, reliability and uprightness in all that you do.

Integrity is what sets you apart from the crowd. Integrity is your benchmark. In fact, walking in integrity will cause you to become your company’s ‘most essential employee.’ How’s that for job security? Becoming the Most Essential Person

Regardless of what type of employee or business owner you have been in the past, it is certainly possible to make the necessary changes that will cause you to become that most essential person. Here are five solid ways to get there:

1. Discover What People Really Want from You – Businesses and clients want the same thing. They want problem solvers and proactive individuals who take full responsibility and control of the projects they oversee. That’s why the infomercial for the Ronco food preparation gadget went over so well. The tagline was, ‘just set it and forget it.’ Be that kind of employee. Take the task at hand and see it through from start to finish–no hand holding necessary.

2. Don’t Let Others Drag You Down – I’ve often heard the saying, “People want you to do well, as long it’s not better than them.” At the risk of sounding cynical, I’ve personally witnessed the truth of this statement. When you make the decision to improve your work ethic and raise the bar toward being indispensable, take this word of warning. Once others notice that you have stepped up your game, there will be those who will link arms with you. They will celebrate your decision and cheer you on. These individuals are likeminded and the type of people you should surround yourself with.

Unfortunately there are also those who will not want you to rise above the status quo. Can you blame them? If enough people make the decision to raise their own personal bar, the “average Annie’s” will start to feel the pressure.  Don’t let anyone discourage you in your quest to stand out from the crowd.

3. Answer the Questions Your Boss Didn’t Ask – Whether you are working on a million dollar client project or rearranging the accounting files, always provide updates on your progress before you are asked. Communication is key. It only takes a few minutes to send a quick email letting your employer know that you are well below budget and have a projected completion date of next Thursday. Doing so prevents your boss from feeling that he has to babysit your project, ask for updates, or look over your shoulder.

4. Act Like You Own the Place – That’s right. No matter where you work or what you are currently doing, treat it like it is your lifelong career, even if it is only a stepping stone. By taking purposeful ownership of your position and the company you work for, you will naturally have your hand in everything. You will find yourself problem solving and coming up with creative solutions to problems that have nothing to do with your particular job or even your department.

An ownership mentality will cause you to think with the best interests of the company in mind in all you do. These are the employees that make a difference. It’s not about saying, “What’s in it for me?” It’s about walking uprightly before God and trusting that He will work things out in your favor.

5. Check Your Ego at the Door You may have an ivy league education or two decades of experience under your belt, but in today’s world, those things do not guarantee your position with a company. Your credentials may get you in the company, but unless you are a performance oriented, proactive employee, you may be surprised at how quickly the revolving door can spin.

According to Pamela Adams, Vice President with Covenant Mechanical Contractors, “Some of the best employees are not necessarily the smartest or the fastest. The best employees are the ones who have their heart in your business and an attitude to do their very best every day.” Sounds like integrity to me…

To become an essential employee, make the decision to rise above mediocrity or depending on your education. Overthrow your commitment to the status quo and the rest will follow.. Above all else, avoid the temptation to compare yourself with the others in your office or your field in an effort to judge your own level of commitment. The Word of God clearly tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:12 that comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise. God is your judge. Ask Him what you can do differently and where you fall short. Live to serve according to His standards. If you do, you will find yourself in a very secure place.