Everyone knows integrity should be in mission statements. Very few know why. Most know integrity is a trait that good people exhibit. Very few again know exactly what that means.
So, let’s break it down – integrity derives its roots from integer. Instead of referring to a “whole” number, we refer to people who are “whole” or consistent. People who are whole or consistent walk their talk. Or, in Stephen Covey’s words, they make and keep commitments. There is no other trait that characterizes good character as well as integrity.
Today, however, I’d like to focus on integrity at work. Every project we work on should have a one-line goal. This goal explains why we’re doing it and what our desired outcome is. If we’re working on five projects, each of them should have a one-line goal that makes sense. You can term it the mission statement of the project. But, since mission statement often requires explanation, let’s just term it a one-line goal. In a well-run company, all of these projects will further the company’s mission as well. So, if one of your projects is to invest in your development, that would further the company’s goals of retaining people. If a project doesn’t have a one-line goal, shelve it. It isn’t important.
Once you understand the one-line goals for each of your projects (and this often takes a bit of work and thought), priorities should emerge. It should become obvious as to which project will create maximum impact. Depending on the goals of your group, this could be a long-term bet or a shorter term move.
And, once you understand the one-line goals and the priority, you are now ready to do something very simple – attribute colors to your priorities on your calendar. So, if you spend an hour working on priority one, mark out an hour and color it red (for example). If you took a meeting on priority three, color it green, etc.
At the end of the week, sum up the number of hours you spent on each of your priorities. While you are at it, also sum up the number of hours you spent in meetings vs. doing solo work that made the meetings productive. Ideally, 2 things should emerge –
1. You have invested time in accordance to your priorities
2. You have spent at least as much time solo time on your most important priorities as you have spent in meetings
When you show up at work, you implicitly commit to furthering the company’s goals. You do this by committing to furthering your goals. Every minute spent on your most important goals is productive. Everything else is gravy. The more time spent productively, the more time you spend exhibiting integrity in your work.
And, integrity, both in work and life, is a sight to behold.
A Learning a Day 