INTEGRITY: “I’d Know, and I Wouldn’t Like Myself”
Integrity
During a recent conversation on integrity with a close friend, he shared an outstanding analogy.
First, let me explain a little history.
I’ve been blessed with amazing friends. This particular gentleman has been one of my closest friends since 7th grade.
He was the class president in high school. On the homecoming court. Played on the football team.
After graduating from college, he served as a military officer.
Since then, he has built a hugely success career in the medical device industry.
Above all, this friend is an excellent father and a loving family man.
My respect and admiration for this friend runs deep.
Bottom line: he is just an incredible person. For nearly 40 years we have been through thick and thin together.
During a discussion not long ago, a question came up regarding building trust and living life with integrity.
This friend never disappoints. Let’s see what you think.
“City Slickers” Provides a Lesson on Integrity
Sure enough, my friend belts out a scene from the 1991 film, “City Slickers” with Billy Crystal.
It’s a great story about three friends coping with midlife crisis.
Each character is struggling with issues such as marriage, kids, career, aging as well as just coping with life in general.
Ed (played by actor Bruno Kirby) poses a hypothetical scenario to Billy Crystal’s character Mitch and Daniel Stern (Phil).
The discussion revolves around experiencing a “one night stand” outside of marriage.
In particular, Ed asks if Mitch would cheat on his wife if there was absolutely no chance of being caught:
ED: Let’s say a spaceship lands.
Mitch: Good, reality. Are you listening to this?
Ed: A spaceship lands and the most beautiful woman you ever saw gets out. All she wants to do is have the greatest [one night stand] in the universe with you.
Mitch: Could happen.
Ed: When it’s over, she flies away for ever. No one will ever know. You’re telling me you wouldn’t do it?
Mitch: No. Because just what you are describing actually happened to my cousin Ronald. And his wife did find out about it at the beauty parlor. They know everything there.
Ed: Forget about it.
Mitch: I’m saying it wouldn’t make it all right if Barbara didn’t know. I’d know, and I wouldn’t like myself. That’s all.
My friend concludes by explaining that he refuses to take shortcuts or make questionable decisions.
He is certainly concerned about what others would think.
However, he responds “More importantly, I’d know, and I wouldn’t like myself.”
Great answer my friend!
Warren Buffett Front Page Newspaper Test
Many years ago, I was introduced to Warren Buffet’s “Newspaper Test”.
Regarding reputation, Mr. Buffett strongly encourages managers to think of one guiding thought:
On reputation, Mr. Buffett urges managers to think of one guiding idea: “Do nothing you would not be happy to have an unfriendly but intelligent reporter write about on the front page of a newspaper.”
This philosophy (or rather mandate) came to light during the 1991 scandal ridden Solomon Brothers debacle. Buffet took over as CEO when illegal bidding was discovered at the Wall Street firm.
Buffet also shared another priceless piece of advice: “Lose money for the firm, even a lot of money, and I will be understanding; lose reputation for the firm, even a shred of reputation, and I will be ruthless.”
A Life Changing Tweet
Warren Buffett’s Front Page Newspaper Test is even more relevant today than ever before. Thanks to social media.
Anyone and everyone now has a platform to cry foul.
Committing an act that employees or customers view as immoral or lack integrity will likely land on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the world to see.
The digital age allows all individuals to play the role of reporter or whistleblower.
On the other side of the coin, send out one inappropriate Facebook post or tasteless Tweet and your life can change in that split second.
For example, even celebrities are not immune to a public lashing after sending an offensive Tweet:
- Rosanne Barr was kicked off her resurrected namesake TV show
- Gilbert Gottfried is no longer the Aflac Duck
- Anthony Wiener showed off his….namesake…..well you know how that turned out
So how does a company or individual avoid such disasters?
“Honesty and integrity are by far the most important assets of an entrepreneur.” Zig Ziglar
Maintaining high moral ground certainly goes a long way personally and professionally.
Enthusiasm is contagious. So are strong ethics.
Creating a healthy culture based on integrity and high ethics delivers dynamic results.
Customers don’t necessarily do business with companies. People do business with people.
Establishing a culture committed to high ethics and integrity starts at the top.
For more on leading with integrity and building trust, check out these posts:
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!