How to Assess Consciousness and Integrity in Your Business Relations: Look at How People Talk About Their Loved Ones

I just finished reading Conscious Business by Fred Kofman, and I believe it provides an excellent and clear framework for how to work as a conscious leader or employee. The book focuses on the importance of being aware of and taking responsibility for our own actions, making intentional decisions, and acting in alignment with our values. It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it and how we treat others in the process.

Here are some Key Conclusions from the book Conscious Business by Fred Kofman:

Consciousness in Business: Consciousness in business means being fully aware of how your actions and decisions impact others. It’s not just about performing tasks—it’s about being intentional and considering the broader consequences of your choices. This awareness fosters more effective decision-making, ensuring that you are aligned with the organization’s values and goals. Suggestion: Regularly take a step back to reflect on your decisions and their impact. Make time to check in with colleagues to ensure that your approach is transparent and aligned with the team’s objectives. Ask for feedback and be open to course-correcting when necessary.

“I am responsible for the message and its impact on you."

Integrity and Alignment with Values: Integrity is the foundation of trust within any business. Acting with integrity means being true to your values and ensuring that your actions reflect what you stand for, even when it’s difficult. Integrity builds strong, reliable relationships, both internally and externally. Suggestion: Be clear on your core values and assess your actions to ensure they align with these values. If you’re unsure, take a moment to reflect on how your decisions align with your principles and the organization's mission. When you act with integrity, others will trust you and your leadership.

“I will act in a way that reflects my values, even when it’s difficult.”

Trust in Relationships: Trust is essential for creating productive and healthy business relationships. It’s built over time by being consistent, transparent, and following through on commitments. Trust enables teams to collaborate openly, share ideas, and take risks without fear of judgment or failure. Suggestion: Build trust by consistently following through on promises. If you encounter challenges that may affect your ability to meet expectations, communicate early and offer solutions. Show that you are reliable, transparent, and accountable.

“You can trust me to deliver on my promises, and if anything changes, I will communicate that right away.”

Self-Leadership and Accountability: Effective leadership begins with self-awareness and accountability. Leaders must first understand their own behavior, recognize their impact on others, and take responsibility for both successes and failures. Accountability in leadership encourages the same level of responsibility throughout the team. Suggestion: Take ownership of your tasks and decisions. When things go wrong, acknowledge your part in it and focus on finding solutions. Lead by example by holding yourself accountable, and encourage those around you to do the same.

“I take full responsibility for this decision, and I will make sure we address any issues it raises.”

The Power of Money: Money is more than a transactional tool; it is a form of power. How you allocate financial resources reflects what you value and can significantly influence the success of your business. Conscious businesses use resources in a way that aligns with their mission, prioritizing sustainability and long-term impact over short-term gains. Suggestion: Be mindful of where and how you invest resources. Ensure that financial decisions are in alignment with your values and long-term goals. When possible, direct resources toward projects, partnerships, and initiatives that will yield lasting, positive impact rather than quick returns.

“Let’s ensure we are using our resources in a way that supports our long-term goals and values.”

How to Asses Integrity and Consciousness?in Others

From my perspective, the principles Kofman shares show us that integrity and consciousness are essential in any relationship if we wish to be successful long-term be it in business or personal. If we carry ourselves with honesty, respect, and care in our personal lives, we will naturally bring those same qualities into our work... And vice versa.

Getting the right team that holds the Integrity and Consciousness needed to create a sustainable business can be hard. When I meet new opportunities at work and wish to assess someone’s integrity and consciousness for possible partnerships, I listen to how they talk about their loved ones. The way they talk about their family and loved ones can give you a good idea of how they will treat you and others in a business setting. If they treat the people they care about the most with respect, it’s likely they will bring that same level of care and respect to their work and relationships in business.

In the end, Conscious Business reinforces the idea that integrity and consciousness are not just business strategies—they’re ways of life. To build a business based on trust, respect, and shared values, it’s important to choose partners, collaborators, and leaders who show integrity both in their personal and professional lives.

So, when considering someone to work with, pay attention to how they speak about and treat the people closest to them. If they act with care and respect there, chances are they will do the same in business. That’s the kind of person you want to surround yourself with.