Only a few of us will ever lead a big company or wield considerable influence over corporate decision making. But we don’t have to wait for others to promote a culture of integrity, we can do it ourselves, now!
Here are five ideas:
1. Do the right thing in a situation where there’s a temptation not to.
My husband told me a story from his law firm days. Working with a team of lawyers to close a deal, he was in a conference room as they phoned around to all the parties involved. When the call had ended with the opposing counsel it became obvious that the other side hadn’t hung up and my husband’s team could hear their private discussion. The senior partner in the room moved swiftly to hang up the line saying “They’re not aware we can hear them. We shouldn’t be listening.”
Nothing speaks louder than being a model of personal integrity and people remember you for it.
2. Show people you trust them
Give people extra responsibilities or information they might not have as a way to build a relationship of trust. Remember the words of Henry Stimson, the American secretary of war during WWII, “The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.”
3. Tackle problems as soon as they arise.
Remember the old adage “There’s never been a problem that can’t be fixed; unless it remains hidden.” If you can’t fix the problem yourself get help from others.
4. Admit mistakes
No one likes to admit mistakes but grimly hanging on and denying the mistake is not a good look either. Neither is finding clever ways to weasel out of it. Face up to what you did wrong and work swiftly to correct it.
5. Point out what’s working well
Make sure you look for what others in the firm are doing well. Discuss it, learn from it and replicate it.
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