Personally, I love that word, and wonder, from my perspective, where it might have disappeared to.
Integrity is a "value." Values are a conversation I have with clients. I coach to assist first their recognizing and determining their values and then to take steps to connect and identify with each value. Values seldom change; however, they may change in priority.
My recent observation on this missing integrity topic appeared with my work in real estate. There are many county clerks in this country who consider receiving checks and money more important than the validity of the recording document(s).
It appears to matter not what document they receive. the first step is cash the check, record it and move on. If an error is discovered, there is no accountability. We received it, we just record it.
One "East" county recorded a property physically located in the "West" county. They also cashed a check payable to West ______ County. Unfortunately, yes, the papers were sent to the wrong county. Yet, the error was realized when the "East" county returned the recorded documents with a note stating that they should be recorded in the "West" county. The money was not returned. A new check had to be drawn, and the documents then forwarded to the "West" county for recording.
Another example. A tax payment was sent to a county with an accompanying letter. The letter provided the account number, borrower's name, and address. The account number had a number wrong. The mistake was not the county's fault as they "just" look at the account number. The tax payment was credited to the wrong person's account. It was 4 years later that this mistake appeared. That was odd in itself. However, the county would not assist, as that is their policy - to simply look at the account number. The person who received the "windfall" tax payment in error was eventually contacted and with INTEGRITY, they returned the money to its source.
Another word is "accountability" or simply doing what is just. Perhaps this might be another example of being -- right and being wrong. Who really wins?
It is a very slippery slope when an answer is, "We just......"
What have you noticed?
Suggestion: Simply, be aware.
1 comment:
Maria here thanks for this post Integrity is something that I value high upon and it's a shame when you don't see it happen too often.
There's too many people out there that take advantage of others and I've raised my children to have integrity and respect for others.
Great job on the other post also.
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