Winning in the Workplace with I-TALENT: I is for INTEGRITY

Welcome to the 50th article of The Talent Guide Newsletter!!!! ??????

When Toyin Talks Talent (T3) started, it was important for me to build a foundation that every member of the T3 Network had or could aspire to, the winning formula for career fulfillment, you might say. ??

The result was I-TALENT, an acronym that represents INTEGRITY, TAKING OWNERSHIP, adopting the right ATTITUDE, losing no opportunities for LEARNING, engaging in the workplace with EXCELLENCE, nurturing relationships through effective NETWORKING so that you can THRIVE in your career.

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing how each of these elements shows up in the workplace and how every professional, regardless of career level, can stand out in the workplace and be that go-to, value-adding, “most wanted”, sought-after Talent!

We start with I…and I is for Integrity.

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Integrity is a value individuals and organizations alike love to identify with. We hear it in interviews, see it on walls as part of a company’s core values, and reward it in employees during performance appraisals.

For the professionals, it’s about their reputation, for organisations, it’s about their culture.

As a Career Coach and Human Resources Professional, I have interacted with enough professionals across all levels to know that it’s never just about the talk, it’s about the walk…and it starts right from the initial job application to the day-to-day tasks in the workplace.

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Applying for a Job

Integrity begins with the very first interaction – the job application. Your resume is not just a compilation of skills and experiences; it is a testament to your honesty and authenticity. When crafting your application, it's crucial to present your achievements accurately and without embellishments.

A seasoned professional might be tempted to enhance his or her credentials to align with the job requirements. However, this approach has consequences. Hiring managers can see through exaggerations, and dishonesty during the application stage means you cannot be trusted.

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The Interview Process

In my profession, we often meet candidates who cannot defend the skills or information they state on their resumes. Those interviews tend to be short ones!

The questions posed by interviewers often probe beyond technical skills, delving into your values, decision-making processes, and how you handle challenging situations. Maintaining integrity in responses is crucial.

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Day-to-Day Integrity

In the workplace, you will encounter scenarios that test your commitment to ethical behavior.

Consider a situation where a colleague takes credit for your idea during a team meeting. Reacting with integrity involves addressing the issue diplomatically, focusing on resolving the matter rather than assigning blame.

Consistency is key. Delivering on promises, meeting deadlines, and treating colleagues with respect contribute to a culture of trust and reliability. It's important to uphold ethical standards not only when under scrutiny but also when no one is watching.

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Integrity Across Levels

So, what does integrity look like at different career levels?

More or less the same as far as honesty and consistency go. For example, when faced with pressure to meet tight deadlines, integrity involves communicating transparently about potential challenges and seeking solutions that uphold both quality and timelines.

There are, however, scenarios that professionals tend to face more at different levels.

• For entry-level professionals, it often involves aligning personal values with organizational values and establishing a reputation for reliability.
• Middle managers may find themselves balancing the expectations of leadership with the well-being of their teams.
• Executive-level professionals, meanwhile, must champion integrity in decision-making processes that impact the entire organization.

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Integrity is not merely a buzzword but a guiding principle that shapes your professional journey. While on that journey, though, recognize that it is not a destination but a continuous journey, one that shapes not only your professional legacy but the collective culture of the organizations you inhabit.

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Connect with me on Instagram @toyintalkstalent, Twitter @toyintalktalent, and Facebook - Oluwatoyin Puddicombe.

You can also access all my posts and articles with #toyintalkstalent.

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