Letters On Integrity Inspiring Ethical Excellence

By Russ Williams

MANAGING CONFLICT HEROES OF INTEGRITY...IN THE MAKING

Men acquire a particular quality by constantly acting in a particular way.

- Aristotle

Who becomes the face and voice of integrity at home, at work, and in the community? Courageous ones do. They are everyday heroes who face conflicts yet triumph with choices and actions that are viewed by others as serving a greater good.

Integrity, as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values (incorruptibility), an unimpaired condition (soundness), and the quality or state of being complete or undivided (completeness).

“Heroes of Integrity” become sound of thought and incorruptible in behavior. These heroes know that the disposition of their mind and heart is constantly being pulled in two distinct directions: selfish good or selfless good. Rarely does an individual attain the ability to continuously act for the selfless good of others. Yet, the reality is... one’s moral and ethical pulse can be measured by how often an individual’s actions move with the purpose of serving the good.

Heroes of Integrity are ethical leaders. They lead by example as they act as exemplars of selfless good. Not a day goes by in my life that I do not notice a Hero of Integrity in-the-making. These individuals take charge of difficult situations where conflict does not erupt because disrespect is silenced. When I see the Hero of Integrity courageously building this life story, I am inspired to pursue doing the same. I become influenced by a Hero of Integrity in-the-making.

I find Heroes of Integrity in-the-making at the bank, the market, and the mall. Often, I observe them as hourly, part-time employees. Their employers expect them to be courteous to their customers. What I observe is not employer expectation. I see the effort of a Hero of Integrity in the making…one who is learning the art of serving the selfless good which, as Aristotle said, is acquiring a noble character by consistent action... in a certain way.

I see the effort of a Hero of Integrity in the making… one who is learning the art of serving the selfless good which, as Aristotle said, is acquiring a noble character by consistent action... in a certain way.

MISSION INTEGRITY ACTION

This week, as a Hero of Integrity in-the-making, I manage conflict by not showing disrespect to another. I understand that integrity requires that I pursue the selfless good that distinguishes me as one who is willing to courageously move as I manage conflict.

Journeying with you...inspiring ethical excellence!

Russ Williams contributes articles on professional growth for readers of California Broker Magazine. He serves as a mentor advisor and offers oneon-one professional consultations based on The Clarity Conversation, a 9-Session Self Renewal Consultation focused on overcoming nagging personal-professional challenges to re-claim personal-professional clarity renewing your influence for good at home, at work, and in the community.