Malaysia has just witnessed the incarceration of one of our top leaders who has been in the public eye for over 40 years.
While this column does not indulge in political discussions, there seems to be a fresh belief in our country that the leaders who represent us can and must be held accountable for their actions.
As I reflected on the current landscape that we Malaysians find ourselves in, I revisited my long-held belief that integrity is the cornerstone of any lasting personal or even organisational success.
Through my work as a management consultant, I know that integrity is a fundamental value that most employers look for in new hires. They want people who demonstrate decent principles at work.
And, in my executive leadership coaching sessions, I know that integrity is the foundation on which employees build relationships and trust with their colleagues.
Some months ago, in a coaching session with the chief executive of a large conglomerate, we discussed what he needed in a candidate for a new position. Without hesitation, he said he wanted someone who would be guided by integrity in his or her relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
As we continued talking about this, he said he wanted an employee who possessed the capacity to be honest even in difficult times, and someone whose trustworthiness was impeccable.
This is at the core of what many organisations need. But honesty and trust are such scarce commodities in modern times.
When you lose your job, get overlooked for a promotion; don't close a deal or even get voted out of office, more often than not the reason is because there is a trust deficiency.
Those who decided your fate had reason to doubt your ability.
If you want others to be drawn to you, you must prove that you are trustworthy and dependable. You must act in a principled manner so that people can count on you to behave honourably.
And, if you can act with honour even when no one is watching, you will find that your potential for personal growth becomes exponentially brighter.
Organisations that value integrity are able to foster a successful workplace culture and these companies tend to perform better.
You do want to work in an environment where there is open communication, good decision making and has a strong moral compass guiding decisions and actions, don't you?
And, I am sure you also know that workplaces that feel uncomfortable and tense are often filled with people with irresponsible behaviour.
There is an air of distrust that permeates every interaction in these companies.
For businesses, integrity is vital. I refuse to give my patronage to businesses that don't keep their word. If you say one thing but do something else, altogether, your business will fail.
I am actively involved in the food and beverage industry. And, I spend a lot of time and energy to communicate our value proposition to potentials customers.
But once we get them into our shops, I insist that my team delivers on our promises. If we cut corners or behave with no integrity, I know my businesses won't last the test of time.
At your work, you must concentrate on three areas to demonstrate that you have integrity.
The first is that you should build trusting and respectful relationships. Trust and respect are the foundation of a healthy workplace. Communicate openly and courteously, learn to respect the views and ideas of others, and show your desire to want to be a team player. This is the only way to build solid relationships at work.
Next, you must behave responsibly. Make sure no one can ever question your conduct. But this can happen only if you act ethically at all times. Show enthusiasm, and commitment to your work. Be engaged and engaging. Most of all, you must be conscious of your work responsibilities, timelines and obligations.
And finally, admit your mistakes and learn from them. You will make mistakes at work but how you choose to deal with these gaffes is most important to your integrity-quotient.
Show that you are able to own up to your mistakes without looking to apportion blame to others. Be willing to correct them and learn from them. If you are a manager, this means you have to stop letting your team members become patsies for your mistakes.
At times, you may be asked to do something that goes against your personal beliefs. But you must have the courage to say no.
If we have learnt anything at all with all the political upheavals of late in Malaysia, it must be that ultimately, your integrity will determine whether you can sustain growth.
No matter how deft you are at manoeuvring, finally you will get caught. So, always choose to act with integrity.
