Integrity Above All Else
Dr Grant Muddle, ML, DBA, MAICD
Acknowledged internationally for healthcare leadership; balancing community expectations with commercial realities
I have lived Warren Buffets words (or tried to at least)?my entire professional life, and have applied the same principles when assessing individuals, I've found it essential to consider three critical attributes: Intelligence, Energy, and Integrity. These qualities form the foundation of trustworthy and dependable co-worker.
Intelligence is the capacity for learning and problem-solving. It allows people to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully. Energy represents the enthusiasm and drive that propels individuals forward, ensuring they remain committed to their goals and responsibilities.
However, without question, the most crucial trait is integrity. Integrity encompasses honesty, ethics, and a strong moral compass. It's the bedrock of character, the measure of a person's trustworthiness. Without integrity, intelligence and energy can be misused, leading to questionable actions or harmful consequences.
Integrity ensures that a person's intelligence is guided by ethical considerations and that their energy is channelled toward positive, constructive endeavours. It defines the choices they make when no one is watching and determines their reliability in both personal and professional relationships.?
In essence, if someone lacks integrity, their intelligence and energy can become tools for manipulation or self-serving interests. Therefore, when evaluating individuals, I prioritise integrity above all else; it's the linchpin of character that ultimately determines a person's worth and impact on the world.
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