The Importance of Integrity in Building Relationships (2).

Do Not Allow Circumstances to Alter Your Moral Compass: Develop an unchanging

standard for moral decision-making, regardless of circumstance. Integrity is not dependent or determined by circumstances. Right is right regardless of the circumstance.

Treat All People With Respect Even if You Have Nothing to Gain: Do not treat those who cannot “do anything” for you less well than those who can help you achieve your goals.

Talk to People, Not About Them: If you have problems or issues with another person, discuss the issue up with them directly. Don’t gossip, and don’t spread poison.

Do What You Must Do, Even When You Do Not Want to Do Them: We all face unpleasant tasks. Get them out of the way. Zig-Ziglar said “When you do the things you have to do when you have to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them.”

Performing unpleasant tasks without complaint shows the people around you that you are not just there for the good times.

Integrity is a Friend to All

Your integrity is your most trusted friend. It keeps your priorities straight, and helps you stay on the right path. It allows you to accept unjust criticism without lashing out, and it allows you to learn from valid and grow from valid criticism. Integrity prevents you from succumbing to convenience and taking shortcuts.

Integrity is also a friend to those with whom you maintain relationships. Your friends and colleagues do not have to worry about your motives. They know who you are and what you stand for. They know they can trust you, even when they are not present.

By being a person of integrity you lay a foundation which will allow you to build successful relationships.