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Eva Guerra explains the value of integrity for companies and how to promote it to generate trust among employees

"A general definition of the value of integrity summarizes it as a person saying what they think".

Let's move these deliberations to the business environment. Is an honest rational behaviour for an employee beneficial at all times? If we consider rational behaviour to be behaviour that seeks to maximize the interest of the person acting, we can basically say that it is not always about rational behaviour, because hiding an opinion or muting it or withholding data in a debate can better position you in your favour.

Does this sound contradictory? Not really, when you consider how much valuable information is lost in meetings and conferences at all levels of the business world. When you, as a team member, manager, project leader, CEO know what is at stake, what is the focus of the meeting, the objective and the outcome, it is often better to withhold relevant information because at that moment this information would be superfluous, moreover, it would completely mess up the system and the set objective. Yes, but Eva, you are talking about integrity, yes indeed, but does integrity mean that you have to lay all your cards on the table at all times?

Source: Freepik

What is integrity at work? 

Integrity at work comes in many forms, but most often refers to having excellent character traits and work ethic, including good judgement, honesty, reliability and loyalty. Having a high degree of integrity at work means that:

You are trustworthy and trust other people practice and encourage open and honest communication is accountable for their actions

Maintaining integrity at work is crucial for employees at all levels, but especially as you climb the hierarchy. Integrity contributes to an open and positive working environment and an ethical approach to decision-making. 

Integrity as a value in the workplace is not only beneficial for companies, but also for the individual. By demonstrating that you are honest and trustworthy, you earn the respect and confidence of your colleagues and managers.

How to promote integrity as a value to build trust?

Building integrity within a company should always start with yourself. Leading by example is the best way to honour and defend integrity. There are a number of elements that can help establish integrity in the company's DNA, such as:

1.Provide training on why integrity is important to employees and the company.

2. Give real examples of integrity and how they apply to the type of business you run.

3. Establish policies to assist employees with ongoing integrity concerns.

4. Develop an advisory system and direct lines of communication to promote integrity.

5. Schedule a meeting with employees and inform them of new policies.

6. Reward employees who demonstrate integrity and good behaviour.

Integrity is a conscious choice to align your thoughts and actions with your environment.

Golden tip!

Integrity is the state of being undivided together with the quality of brutal self-honesty. It demands a considerable depth of self-awareness and an uncompromising willingness to be authentic. The first step to cultivating integrity is to recognize that we are not always honest.

Integrity is the foundation on which a company is built. If the foundation is weak, the company cannot sustain. Integrity is the consistency of actions and words, it is how a brand is built. The most influential brands are built with integrity in their actions and that is how the customers develop respect for the companies.