Relevance of Integrity & Honesty to Professionals

?

Introduction:

Integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral, ethical principles and values to oneself. Honesty is the same but to others.

In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. (Wikipedia) This quality is also equated to – walking our talk, keeping up our word. Lying would be unethical, untruthful, show poor moral principles and end with loss of integrity. There is an implicit trust in that the professionals knows what he says and therefore a presumption that it is the truth. If not true, then there could be disastrous consequences for the client.

A professional being bound by the ethics as specified in the charter of the profession he/ she belongs to needs to follow them in word and spirit. One needs to resist compromises, especially if one is doing the attest function. (certifying facts)

Once established that one has the needed professional capability and values, work would gravitate to them. In the days of declining public image of professionals, one needs to stand out for being a thorough ideal.

Over the past 2 decades, the acceptance of lying seems to have evolved to a point where many believe it is ok to do so. In the last decade in our office, we were faced with the issue of a few committed, hardworking, knowledgeable employees letting us down. They failed to deliver their part in time, leading to loss of face and credibility for the partners with our client/ publisher. It consequently led to frustration and loss of trust in that person, which was avoidable.?

We observed that less integrity was more in initiatives which were not linked to the billable deliverables like research work, articles contribution, booklet/ book authoring and even in presentations. At times we found that the work was not even started till the last moment! This is despite it being emphasized that the work would need an hour per day for a month or so. Understood that this a common phenomenon at all levels of the organization even between the partners and qualified professionals!!?

A deeper study led to some understanding and ways to resolve such self-defeating habit. (at times one becomes a compulsive liar over time)

In this article we examine, the benefits, why one lies, underlying triggers which sets off the disempowering act/ habit & ending with possible ways to building integrity.?

?

Benefits:

1.????? Build healthy communities and Professional Firms: In this time of widespread corruption and double standards, integrity and honesty can be the solution.?

2.????? Strong sense of pride in self. High in confidence and self-esteem.?

3.????? Ethical decision-making do the right thing, even in challenging situations.?

4.????? Career or practice growth due to a positive and open workplace.?

5.????? Builds trust and respect which over time becomes more valuable than the monetary rewards.

6.????? Reduces stress, enhancing good relationships and enhancing satisfaction in work being done.

7.????? Easier to support others in inculcating ethics in their life.?

?

None of us can doubt that any employer or client would like to have honest professionals for key jobs or assignments. It would be easier for the bosses/ customer/ clients to depend on a professional with integrity.?

?

Types of loss of integrity:

1. Untruths - This is the most damaging as trust would be lost even if it is matter of low importance. The impact could show the Company/ other Partner/ other Director in bad light with the client/ stakeholders leading to loss of income /business.?The credibility of the firm would be at stake.

2. Suppressing relevant information - Omitting to share vital information while not stating any untruths. In such cases once one has a doubt, they would need to investigate to uncover the truth. We had to allow a very senior, knowledgeable person after more than a decade to leave on 2 occasions which put us back a few years.?

3. Exaggeration of successes/ Playing down failures - This is done by many speakers / presenters/ teachers to drive home a point. I have been guilty of these many times. May not be serious but the keen lister knows. More importantly we know. Need to reduce & weed out over time.?Ideal under promise and over deliver.

4. Subtle untruths - We do this to feel better and most times this is to ourselves. This is also done by manipulative persons to get what they want in a clandestine way. Examples could be shooting over other’s shoulders, half-truths of others quality of work/ character etc. This is a defense mechanism to avoid hard work, hiding failure, disappointment, taking a risk or worse to manipulate to get unfair results etc. These lies on self would limit our development and growth/ happiness. However, if subtle lies are spread on others, it would not be professional at all.?I learnt this as a hard lesson from a trusted partners about 5 years back. Thankful to him though as it unethical behaviour now is non-negotiable and results in immediate suspension.

5. White lies - Resorted mostly for unimportant communication when truth would be uncomfortable, complex, complicated or harmful to the other persons or their feelings. This today is increasingly accepted as preferable instead of being straightforward which could end up doing damage to feelings of others. Professional who are straight may find this difficult and choose to keep silence.?

?

Why does one tell untruths - Genesis??

The list below is a collation of possible reasons why this may happen:?

1. Not wishing to hurt, upset, harm oneself and more importantly others;

2. Wanting to look good- at least for the time being or unable to say “no” in order to please the other;?

3. Fear of being found incompetent/ inefficient/ inadequate/ answering the question “why”;

4. Work accepted beyond comfort zone or competencies.

5. Work not delegated properly (improper training) or supervised improperly during the progress.

6. To avoid / delay/ deflect blame of adverse result of embarrassment.?

7. Too many jobs on the table – just not able to cope up.?

8. Putting out too many fires – unable to spend enough time on important one – not prioritizing or not able to follow the set priorities.?

9. Senior/ boss too reactive - afraid to set them off;?

10. Thinking that it would advance one’s goa at least for the present.?

11. Wanting no intrusion to private / personal matters.?

12. Many others … reflect to add….?

?

How to keep/ improve integrity??

1. Focus on our goals and make the right decisions for the right reason – look long term – keep in mind what do we want to be remembered for.?

2. Identify the trigger/s. Accept that as reality. [many people do in varying degrees] Being aware and accepting can be the first step to resolving.?

3. Look at the long-term impact. Also see the positive result if stopping to lie - over a period.?

4. Look at the impact in the worst case. It may not be bad or not that bad as we think.?

5. Plan alternative responses which are empowering.?

6. Put boundaries for acceptance of work based on goals and capabilities. Possible response - I have no previous experience and to get ready to do so would take a few months.?

7. Say no politely – “this month I have ABC project – next month/ quarter I would be glad to take it up after that” (only if that is possible).?

8. Take support when needed – delay expected.?

9. Communicate clearly and honestly the moment we feel that there could be an issue on the deadline.?

10. Surround ourselves with people of high integrity?

11. If wishing to resolve/ reduce this disempowering behavior - Start by putting actions like next 3 days I will not lie- whatever happens. Then maybe longer period…?

12. Further option to get counselled/ coached if habituated.?

13. Also, online support (maybe paid) to get past.

?

Conclusion:

Stephen Covey Observes: “Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect.”

Nelson Mandela, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mahatma Gandi were example of men with high integrity.

In today’s world funders of start-ups place honesty as the 1st value to even think of investing. Thereafter the other aspects are evaluated.

A Chartered Accountant is expected to have and demonstrate integrity and honesty in all he does for any organisation or individual.?

?

?