What
does integrity
mean
to you?
What does it mean for you in
your business? Moreover, what does your
integrity
mean
to your clients?
The definition of integrity is really quite simple--firm adherence to a code of especially moral values. Integrity is synonymous with words such as incorruptibility, soundness, completeness, and honesty. As real estate professionals, our 'value' is only as good as our integrity.
Commitment to integrity is something that is predominantly 'ingrained' in us as children; however, as adults, we must establish a commitment to this practice both in life and in our business, especially if we have employees or partners with whom we work. Should we NOT share the same commitment to integrity as a team or a firm, our own moral principles are in jeopardy of becoming tainted.
Are you a person of integrity?
Are you incorruptible, sound, complete and honest? Do you do the right thing even if it does not mean
'money in your pocket?' Do you do the right thing even if it
means additional steps in an already, lengthy
transaction? (i.e. disclosure)Possessing high integrity is perhaps the most difficult quality in life to 'achieve' but, once you have achieved it, integrity is THE most satisfying one. Integrity is primarily a formal relation that one has to oneself--it is connected to a very deep subconscious decision to utilize constraint when it comes to acting upon something that is morally conflicting for us. Basically, whether we know it or not, subconsciously we may be 'considering' whether we should or shouldn't act morally in a particular situation. If we have strong convictions to 'do the right thing,' our internal conflicts will occur less often and with less conscious involvement in the decision.
In
our business, we have
SO many opportunities that could lead to the compromise our
integrity. Just look at the state of the
economy, predominantly caused by those who chose (subconsciously, then
consciously) to compromise their integrity in exchange for a
hefty
paycheck. As I read the NC REALTOR magazine this evening, I
noticed that the issues that caused agents to permanently lose their
license were those related to poor decisions, which directly related to
their integrity.Are you willing to give up your license for a few extra bucks? This is our livelihood--we should cherish our businesses and remember just how hard we worked to get to this point--but, only after we consider our morals; our integrity and that we've worked to protect our integrity all of our lives.
in·teg·ri·ty (L.
integritas) n.
My motto: Integrity
Without Compromise. Think about it...
- Adhering to a strict ethical code
- The state of being wholesome; unimpaired
- The quality or condition of being complete; pure
Synonyms:
- honesty
- uprightness
- rectitude
- unity
- wholeness
- purity
- goodness
- probity
- sincerity
- virtue
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