Integrity In Question From Trust to Treachery

The State of Our Society

The news bombards us daily with legal and political battles, angry debates, name-calling among officials, unscrupulous business deals, and television shows glorifying unethical behavior. The media frequently highlights millionaires and business leaders whose lives lack integrity, honor, and kindness. Have you found yourself influenced by these negative examples? Are your integrity and sense of hope eroded by the constant barrage of negativism?

Standing Tall Amidst the Chaos

I urge you to stand tall and refuse to let the world define you. Instead, describe yourself as a robust, thoughtful leader and thinker with integrity and values. Embrace the courage to call out the truth in a kind and constructive manner.

I dream of a day when people unite and declare, "Enough is enough." We must demand that our leaders embody excellence in their actions and words. They should consider the long-term impact of their behavior on our community and culture. As Americans, we should expect nothing less.

The Impact of Declining Integrity on Our Children and Legacy

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected culture, the concept of integrity is slipping through the cracks. We see this decline in businesses, social media, mainstream media, and entertainment, to name a few. Let's pause and ask ourselves: Do we still value integrity? If so, why is such bad behavior allowed to persist across all forms of communication? Do we want to be known for being principled? Is being trustworthy and honorable becoming obsolete or, worse, ridiculed?

The erosion of integrity has far-reaching consequences, especially for our children. What values are they learning as they grow up in a world where unethical behavior is often glamorized and rewarded? When they see dishonesty and manipulation as paths to success, they might internalize these traits as acceptable. This isn't just about individual behavior—it's about the society we are shaping for the future.

Our children are constantly observing and absorbing the world around them. If they witness leaders, influencers, and even peers cutting corners and compromising on values, they may believe that integrity is optional. This jeopardizes their moral compass and undermines the foundation of trust and honor that binds communities together. We must ask ourselves: What legacy are we leaving for them? Are we creating a world where truth and honor are valued, or are we paving the way for a culture of deceit?

I sincerely hope not. Integrity, principle, and trust should still mean something to all of us. As the Bible wisely states, "A good name is worth more than gold" (Proverbs 22:1). Amidst the whirlwind of branding, social media posts, and the relentless pursuit of building personal brands—being liked, followed, and having an extensive mailing list—it's easy to lose sight of what truly defines us. Does having a solid brand means we are integral, principled, and honest?

The legacy we build today will be the world our children inherit tomorrow. Let's ensure that we instill values of integrity and trust in our children, showing them that these qualities are the actual markers of success. By living out these principles, we can create a future where honor is not just a word but a way of life. Let's stand tall and be the role models our children deserve, fostering a society where integrity is celebrated and upheld.

What Do You Want to Be Known For?

As formal or informal leaders, we must reflect on what we want to be known for. Is it money, a title, or a positive impact on others.? What do we want others to say about us? If your obituary had been written today, what would have been said? What legacy are you leaving? What values do we want to emulate?

Integrity is not just about what we say; it's about how we live. It's reflected in our actions, decisions, and interactions with coworkers. When was the last time you thought about this? When did you previously care deeply about leading with integrity?

A Call to Action

I would encourage you to consider this carefully. Let's create a movement in a society where trust and honor are not easily found or truly believed. Imagine a cadre of people worldwide, maybe even on LinkedIn, committed to being more than just a brand. Let's commit to being people of integrity, honor, and principles—those concerned about the bigger picture in life, our organizations, our communities, and our world.

Leading with Integrity

Let's seek to lead when we receive every aspect of our lives. We can leave a lasting legacy by encouraging others, building hope, and instilling values. This is how we make a brand in our lives—one that people read and respect daily. In conclusion, let's redefine what it means to have a strong brand. Let it be synonymous with integrity, honor, and principles. This is the legacy we should aim to build. Let's challenge ourselves and each other to be better, to be the leaders our society desperately needs, and to create a world where integrity is valued and expected.