The Importance of Integrity

Integrity is a word we hear a lot in the public forum. We usually hear it when there appears to be a lack of integrity in a particular situation. For example, it might be mentioned in the context of an alleged ethics violation by a business or agency. Or it might be more personal, where someone is taking advantage of a less-capable person. But hearing about the lack of integrity doesn’t give us a very clear idea of what integrity is. So before we can rightly use the word, we need to establish a definition.

In Chapter 12 of the textbook, the authors give a simple definition of integrity: “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.” This straightforward definition emphasizes the qualities of honesty and morality.

Steven Covey, the author of the now-classic book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, echoes this definition by saying, “Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect.”

Using these guidelines, we can say that a person who exhibits integrity is one who deliberately seeks to be honest, lives by moral principles, and treats others with respect.

Given that definition, it would seem that a competent life coach would intuitively embrace these principles as ones to build a reputation on. But given human fallibility, it’s one thing to agree with principles of integrity but quite another to routinely practice integrity in our dealings with others. It’s in the quiet corners of our day, when no one is looking, that our true commitment to integrity shines through. Do we hold ourselves accountable to that standard of integrity on a consistent basis? When we reflect that level of integrity in our interaction with coaching clients, we are modeling our values in a way that can have powerful and life-changing effects on those we coach.

In this discussion, you have the opportunity to explore how important integrity is in your life and how it might apply to the profession of life coaching.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Discuss the trait of integrity as it applies to personal life and life coaching.

Background Information

Because integrity is such an important concept for living by moral standards, think carefully about the concept before responding to the discussion. First, read the assigned textbook chapter and article before you begin posting your responses. These readings should jump-start some of your thinking about the concept of integrity. To get the most from the discussion, be honest about your own assessment and where you might need to grow in this area.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 12 in your textbook: Becoming a Professional Life Coach: Lessons from the Institute for Life Coach Training.

2. Read the article, The Importance of Honesty and Integrity in Business (new tab) .

3. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion prompts:

a. What is your definition of personal integrity? Be specific and detailed in your response.

b. Is living with integrity important to you both as a person and as a life coach? Explain.

c. A part of integrity is keeping your word to others. What degree of importance do you place on keeping your word and going the extra distance to be reliable in that sense?

d. Give an example of a time when your behavior did not line up with your stated values. How did this lack of integrity affect you?

e. What might be the consequence if you encourage integrity in your coaching clients but don’t diligently live it yourself?

f. Name one principle from positive psychology that aligns closely with the concept of integrity. Explain the connection.

4. Your initial post:

a. Should be at least 500 words.

5. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

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