Integrity

Integrity is defined by Merriam Webster as "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness". In my coaching classes we believe people have integrity when their words align with their actions. The dictionary definition is more subjective while our coaching definition is objective. 

My definition is a combination of both. People live with integrity when their words match their actions but those words and actions are rooted in strong moral principles. Consistency is key. If a person identifies a value or a life purpose, I expect that person to live in alignment with that value or purpose, daily. It does not require big actions but small acts on a regular basis. As Joe Sabini noted in his Ted Talk on integrity and humility, "how we do anything is how we do everything." 

A prime example is my goal to live with patience. Patience is something I value and in order to live with integrity, I need to practice patience in all interactions, big and small. I think about this when the line is long at the coffee shop or when the electric company places me on hold for twenty minutes. Employing patience in these daily interactions leads to an overall, patient person. 

In coaching, this plays out after a client has discovered his or her why - their values, purpose, and meaning. When a client discovers what truly drives them, it is easy to see when they are living with integrity or in alignment with those values. Their body language, passion, and words clearly indicate alignment. It is also easy to see when they have shifted off their purposeful path, when their integrity is in question. They fall inward, feel uncertain, and question their actions. As a coach, it is my job to ensure that my clients clearly understand their purpose and their values so that they can live in integrity every day. If you need someone to hold you accountable, let's talk! 

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