#11 of 13 Characteristics of Influence - Irreplaceable Integrity!
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#11 - INTEGRITY
Integrity is one of the highest on the priority list of necessary characteristics. Even if you are able to represent all ten listed thus far but you do not have integrity, you immediately disqualify yourself as a person of influence.
The definition of integrity according to business dictionary.com is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.”
Without integrity, you become untrustworthy; appear unstable and ultimately damage your rapport, even in the case of only one transaction or relational fallout where integrity is compromised.
Much like the story told near the beginning of this chapter about offense, one person could create a lot of damage in a brief amount of time for themselves and those around them. The difference between the story of offense and this story is that with offense, you can often redeem the damage done through an apology and a change in behavior.
However, with integrity, it is not that simple. Once you have created the reputation of someone who is not trustworthy or has selfish motives, turning it around can take many months or even years. In some cases, if the damage is too great, integrity is never really restored in the hearts and minds of those affected most.
“When you are able to maintain your own highest standard of integrity – regardless of what others may do – you are destined for greatness.” – Napoleon Hill
Excerpts and insights* from Chapter 10 of "Your Journey to Greatness Through Routine: A Guide to Creating a Success Routine"
Book Contains:
*Certain portions have been added to actual book excerpts by the author.
LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE THE BOOK at http://michellesteffes.com/book
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Michelle L Steffes is a Certified Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Executive Coach and Author of two books: "Reframe & Rewire" (also available on Audible) and "The Machine Inside Me." Discover more and contact her through her website, IPV Consulting.
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