Do You Have Integrity?

Every morning, I enjoy my 20 minute meditation followed by reading a page of affirmation before I start my day and give my attention to others. Meditation helps me to prepare my mind for the day, a bit like a "reboot" for the CPU.

Today's affirmation really resonated with me particularly with my recent experience in dealing with one of the major banks in Australia. Long story short, they have been bullying me during my mental health journey when I needed them the most.

Now that I am cashed up and ready for some financial advice, they've been playing ping pong communication for the past not 3, not 4, but over 5 months. I've been handballed to more than 15 "managers" and even emailed the CEO half a dozen times but received zero response from them.

I couldn't help but wonder - are banks still behaving with integrity these days? With recrod profits declared like "Merry Christmas" without failure every year, are senior leaders of the banking industry still reliable, authentic, and performing with the highest level of integrity?

In the world of professional careers, the currency of success is trust and it's crucial to discern true integrity from mere facade.

For this article, I read through research from Harvard, Forbes, Forrester, and Stanford, to explore the pitfalls of counterfeit integrity and provide insights to help you navigate the complex landscape of professional integrity.

What is Integrity?

Integrity is the quality of being honest, upright, and having strong moral principles. It involves the adherence to a set of ethical values and consistent honesty in one's actions, decisions, and relationships. Individuals with integrity demonstrate a strong sense of honesty, consistency, fairness, accountability, transparency, reliability, respect, and ethical decision making.

Identifying the Illusion

In a hyper-connected digital age, appearances can be deceiving. Professionals often encounter individuals who project an image of integrity but fall short when it comes to consistent ethical behaviour. Spotting the difference between genuine commitment to principles and superficial gestures is essential for building a reliable network. Here are the top 5.

1. Actions Speak Louder than Buzzwords

Authentic integrity transcends catchy buzzwords and impressive LinkedIn profiles. It is rooted in consistent actions and ethical decision-making. When engaging with peers, leaders, or potential collaborators, look beyond eloquent speeches and scrutinise their track record. A person's professional history often reveals more about their commitment to integrity than their polished online persona.

2. Lack of Transparency

Transparency is the linchpin of genuine integrity. Professionals who are committed to ethical practices are open about their successes and failures. They acknowledge challenges, take responsibility for their actions, and actively seek solutions. As you build your network on LinkedIn, prioritise connections that value transparency, as these are the relationships that will withstand the test of time.

3. Short-Term Focus Over Long-Term Relationships

Fake integrity may manifest in a focus on short-term gains at the expense of long-term relationships. True integrity involves a commitment to building sustainable connections and prioritising the needs of stakeholders over immediate profits.

4. Failure to Acknowledge Mistakes

Authenticity shines through when mistakes are acknowledged and addressed openly. Those with fake integrity may try to cover up errors or shift blame instead of taking responsibility and actively working towards resolutions. This redflag is particularly pronounced in Asia where "saving face" culture often result in senior leaders' ego taking the driver's seat and I hardly saw any Asian leaders acknowledging mistakes in my 7 years of banking career in Asia.

5. The Mirage of Customer-Centricity

Many companies claim to be customer-centric, touting their dedication to putting the customer first. However, discerning professionals must be wary of organisations that merely pay lip service to this concept without backing it up with tangible actions. True customer-centricity goes beyond slogans; it's embedded in the company's culture, evident in its products, and reflected in its commitment to resolving customer issues promptly and effectively.

Leadership Redefined

Effective leadership hinges on trust, and trust is earned through consistent displays of integrity. As a leader in your domain, emphasise the importance of ethical decision-making, transparency, and accountability. Showcase leadership qualities that inspire confidence, encourage collaboration, drive positive change and deliver customer promise. By upholding the highest standards of integrity, you set a powerful example for others to emulate.

Integrity as the Catalyst for Social Entrepreneurship

In the growing world of social entrepreneurship, where purpose-driven initiatives seek to address societal challenges, integrity serves as a catalyst for sustainable impact. Whether it's forging partnerships, securing funding, or implementing innovative solutions, maintaining integrity throughout the entrepreneurial journey is non-negotiable. Customers and stakeholders will demand insights and evidence into how ethical business practices are driving both financial success and positive social change.

Cultivating Genuine Integrity in Your Professional Journey

To ensure your own success and contribute to a trustworthy professional community, prioritise cultivating genuine integrity. Here are 12 simple things you can do.

1. Clarify Your Values:Clearly define your core values and principles. Reflect on what matters most to you, both personally and professionally. Understanding your values provides a foundation for making decisions aligned with your integrity.
2. Set Ethical Standards:Establish clear ethical standards for yourself. Outline the behaviors and actions that align with your values. Having a set of ethical guidelines serves as a reference point when faced with difficult decisions.
3. Practice Self-Reflection:Regularly reflect on your actions, decisions, and their alignment with your values. Consider the impact of your choices on yourself and others. Honest self-reflection allows you to identify areas for improvement and reinforces your commitment to integrity.
4. Be Accountable:Take responsibility for your actions, including acknowledging and learning from mistakes. Accountability is a crucial aspect of integrity, demonstrating your commitment to making amends and continuously improving.
5. Be Consistent:Strive for consistency in your behavior. Consistency builds trust and reinforces your integrity. Ensure that your actions align with your values across various aspects of your life.
6. Practice Honesty:Foster a habit of honesty in your communication. Be truthful in your interactions with others, and avoid exaggeration, deception, or withholding information. Honest communication is fundamental to building and maintaining trust.
7. Develop Empathy:Cultivate empathy by putting yourself in others' shoes. Understand and respect the perspectives, needs, and feelings of those around you. Empathy contributes to fair and considerate decision-making.
8. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals:Build a network of people who share similar values and ethical standards. Surrounding yourself with individuals who prioritise integrity can provide support, encouragement, and positive influence.
9. Seek Feedback:Encourage open communication and actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, or trusted individuals. Constructive feedback helps you identify blind spots and areas for improvement in maintaining integrity.
10. Continuous Learning:Stay informed about ethical practices and standards in your field. Engage in continuous learning to enhance your understanding of ethical considerations and ensure that your actions align with current best practices.
11. Be Mindful of Your Impact:Consider the broader impact of your actions on others and the community. Strive to contribute positively to your surroundings and act in ways that promote the well-being of others.
12. Resist Peer Pressure:Be resilient in upholding your values, even in the face of peer pressure or external influences. Stand firm in your commitment to integrity, and don't compromise your principles for short-term gains.

Final Thoughts

As a content creator myself navigating the crosspaths of leadership, social entrepreneurship, and mental health, I've learned that by infusing your work with authenticity, ethical leadership, and a commitment to positive change, you not only enhance your personal brand but also contribute to the betterment of society. In a world hungry for genuine connections and meaningful contributions, let integrity be the guiding force behind your professional career and wellbeing journey.

For the banks

In the financial sector, the profound relationship between integrity and ethics stands as the bedrock of sustainable success and public trust. Integrity is the compass that guides financial institutions towards ethical conduct, ensuring that every decision, from investment strategies to customer interactions, reflects a commitment to honesty, transparency, and fairness. Upholding the highest ethical standards fosters a climate of trust among clients, shareholders, and the wider community, establishing a resilient foundation for long-term relationships. We may think a tiny shortfall here and shortcut there may not be significant, but when multiplied across your teams, the impact of decisions can reverberate globally, integrity becomes not only a virtue but a strategic imperative. As banks navigate complex financial landscapes, demonstrating unwavering integrity is not just ethical; it is a powerful catalyst for building a robust and trustworthy reputation that transcends economic cycles.

#Leadership #AuthenticLeadership #Integrity #LeadershipIntegrity #EthicalLeaders #LeadershipValues #PersonalIntegrity #CareerSuccess #ProfessionalInsights #Ethics #BankingEthics #FinancialIntegrity #EthicalBanking #IntegrityMatters 美国哈佛商学院 Forbes Forrester 澳新银行 Commonwealth Bank 澳洲国民银行 Westpac Suncorp Group Bank of Queensland ASB Bank Bank of New Zealand Maybank CIMB Public Bank 星展银行 大华银行 华侨银行 汇丰

References:

1. Harvard Business Review - The Importance of Trust in Leadership
2. Harvard Business Review - The Science of Keeping Your Commitments
3. Forrester - The State Of Customer Experience, 2022
4. Forbes - 5 Signs of Authentic Business Integrity
5. Stanford Social Innovation Review - The Role of Integrity in Social Entrepreneurship

Gratitude and Acknowledgement

This article is dedicated to my highly respected ANZ colleague Ben Kelleher who embodies the value of authentic leadership with integrity and transparency. Working with Ben has taught me the importance of consistency in making ethical decision even in the face of profits and opportunity - Doing what is right and doing them right. Thanks Ben for your wisdom and support as always!

About the author

Eric consistently contributes to LinkedIn on a weekly basis, sharing insights and lessons gained from his two-decade journey at the crossroads of leadership, banking, social entrepreneurship, and mental health. Currently residing in Ipoh, Malaysia, Eric dedicates his efforts to promoting mental wellness through his YouTube channel, My Purpose Today. As the founder of this non-profit organization, he is passionately committed to producing digital content on wellness, drawing from his extensive personal experience in the mental health field.