A Life of Integrity

When I think about integrity it means a lot more than just being honest. Honesty is one of the values I respect the most and I expect it from others. I know in the world of business honesty and integrity can be fleeting or manipulated because "it's business." However, in my mind I cannot separate personal integrity from business. One of the reasons I left the corporate world was because I would see people I worked with say one thing and do something else. I didn't understand it then and I don't understand that mentality now. So, I chose to leave that environment and look elsewhere.

A life of integrity means not only being honest -- it means living a life that is true to yourself, true to others and true to God. It means that you say what you think and do what you say. It means that others can depend on you and be able to trust you not just in personal matters, but in business as well. It means abiding by the laws of the land, following your conscience, being in tune with God's will and doing whatever you can to be "good".

I'd like to give a tribute to my father today. When I think of someone who has integrity above all else, it's my dad. I have never doubted his word because he lives his life in a way that is full of truth and integrity. What he says is what he thinks. Not only does he have integrity in life, but he is one of the most generous men I have ever known. As I think about all of his inventions, business ideas, educational pursuits, etc. -- not one of them has had a selfish motive but each has been designed to improve the lives of others in some way. His classification system was designed to make manufacturing processes flow more smoothly. He's designed hundreds of hours of presentations and materials to help those with mental illness and families of those who suffer. He has created plans for a brick making machine to aid in third world countries and make building homes easier. The list goes on and on. But the thing that impresses me the most is when he gives things away to those in need. For example: We spent 15 years or more creating an electronic publishing business. Then a couple in need moved into the neighborhood. They were looking for work and were not having any luck. My dad took our business, taught them how to run it and gave it to them -- without asking for anything in return. He was just happy that he could help someone else succeed. This happens over and over again.

He usually has at least 15 full time projects in the works and he accomplishes more than anyone I know. On top of that, he has encouraged his children to each find their own talents and has supported building individual businesses for each of us. Without the belief and support he and my mom have provided -- I am certain none of us would be where we are today. No matter what he is involved in, it is not for himself, but is designed to help others.

So as I think about a "Life of Integrity" and the life I want to live, I'm so grateful for the examples I have had to follow. I love you Dad!