The fish scale, a lesson in integrity

Last summer a group of doctors were fishing on the shores of Michigan’s thumb. The peacefulness of the tranquil setting was suddenly broken by a young couple at a campsite nearby. The doctors rushed to the aid of the woman who was near the end of her labor. Soon the screams of childbirth were replaced by the newborn's cry.

One of the doctors checked his watch to record the time of birth while another fetched the scale they used to weigh the fish they caught.

They were amazed at what they saw.

To find out what amazed them, click here.

The scale had been adjusted one of the doctor's wives so they would be more proud of what they caught.

Embellishment is not just for fishing stories. Job applicants are known for exaggerating their experiences and accomplishments. Various surveys have gauged this embellishment to be present on 52 percent to 89 percent of all applications.

It does not stop at work accomplishments. People are known to embellish earnings while dating, childhood memories, sport prowess, and many other things.

The key to integrity is to be able to separate reality and fiction. Present yourself as who you are and others will learn to trust and respect you even more.

About the author:

Rick Weaver has half a century’s experience in leadership development in retailing. He founded Max Impact Corporation, a leadership and business development consultancy company in 2002. His major accomplishments include working himself from stock clerk to director at a Fortune 50 retail chain and building a $40MM+ construction company in under 5 years. Today he works as an Executive Search Consultant with Patrice & Associates matching management talent with the job culture for which they are uniquely wired.