`ßIntegrity is what makes it hard to question our decisions. I know that when I deal with someone who possesses unwavering integrity, I can look at their decisions and be satisfied that they would have used good judgment. When you hire someone with integrity, they are often quickly seen as being dependable and accountable for their actions. This is the surest way to developing team trust.
Hiring people with integrity also addresses leadership gaps. If a person has integrity, they command respect and become an influencer. People around them will inadvertently look to them as role models.
Integrity comes from a congruence between thoughts, feelings, words, and actions-when all that you are and do spring from your core values. Gandhi was one of the greatest examples of integrity we have seen in modern times, and the many moving stories about his life demonstrate the power of teaching this character trait by example.
A mother once brought her child to him, asking him to tell the young boy not to eat sugar, because it was not good for his diet or his developing teeth. Gandhi replied, “I cannot tell him that. But you may bring him back in a month.” The mother was angry as Gandhi moved on, brushing her aside. She had traveled some distance and had expected the mighty leader to support her parenting. She had little recourse, so she left for her home. One month later she returned, not knowing what to expect. The great Gandhi took the small child’s hands into his own, knelt before him, and tenderly communicated, “Do not eat sugar, my child. It is not good for you.” Then he embraced him and returned the boy to his mother. The mother, grateful but perplexed, queried, “Why didn’t you say that a month ago?” “Well,” said Gandhi, “a month ago, I was still eating sugar.” What power in example!
This rare kind of integrity has great power. Imagine what the world would be like if all present-day leaders of nations had that kind of integrity. What if we could depend on their word in any situation? What if trust and confidence were the foundation of every business relationship? Because of his integrity, millions trusted Gandhi; millions learned from him and counted themselves as his followers. Collectively, they became a force strong enough to gain political independence for India. True leaders demonstrate Integrity by Example.

Finally, how do you know if you have integrity?
Be truthful and ask yourself these 10 questions.
1. Did you “neglect to tell the truth” at any time today?
2. Did you say “Yes” when you really should have said “No”?
3. Did you promise to do or commit to something, and then didn’t deliver?
4. Did you mislead someone by agreeing to do something in less time than is realistic?
5. Did you consider the impact of your behaviour on other people before you acted?
6. Were you understanding, rather than judgmental, with a colleague?
7. Were you too critical, impatient, impulsive, or rigid in any of your interactions?
8. Were you controlling, and not open to different ways of doing the same thing?
9. After listening to others’ input, did you willingly share responsibility, co-operate, or delegate?
10. Did you consider the equitable, ethical, and moral implications of your choices?
These questions will help you give clarity and make your integrity stronger from tomorrow.