Keeping Your Word: The Cornerstone of Business Integrity and Trust

In our fast-paced modern world, we are bombarded by changes from every direction. Sometimes we overlook one of the most basic principles of success. Keeping our word is a precept we ignore at our own peril. We make promises regularly to employees, suppliers, customers, and even ourselves, but how often do we pause to deliberate the importance of those pledges? In a competitive environment, it is not only the products and services we provide that set us apart; it is an unshakable commitment to integrity.

When coaching fourth through sixth graders with a couple of other people, we decided we wanted the children to learn more than just the fundamentals of the sport we were coaching. We agreed that integrity would be our overriding theme for the season. We asked ourselves how to explain or define integrity to a group this young. The American Heritage Dictionary defines integrity as "steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code." To keep it simple, we explained that integrity meant doing the right thing, even when no one was watching (often attributed to Charles Marshall in his book *Shattering the Glass Slipper*). The children embraced the theme throughout the season and a few parents even commented on the impact.

Honoring our commitments builds trust and loyalty, not just among our customers but with vendors, partners, and employees. Employees inherently want to work for someone they trust. Knowing they can count on the trustworthiness of management frees employees to be more creative, and committed. Customers not only expect but deserve honesty when it comes to the products and services we offer. Vendors and partners need to know that we will honor our promises. Trust elevates all of our relationships, and when we develop a culture of honesty and integrity, we enhance the reputation of our business.

The consequences of breaking promises are dire; a breach of trust destroys the goodwill we have built and damages our reputation. As business owners and individuals, it is important that we consider the implications of the words we use when we make a commitment. A misstep, even if unintentional, creates a barrier that may be difficult to overcome. In a competitive business landscape, we can ill afford to erode any trust that has been placed in us.

The value of integrity in our business policies and protocols cannot be overstated. Accountability and honesty begin with us. The standards we set for ourselves permeate throughout our business. We can cultivate an environment where honesty and integrity are the standards that both drive our culture and hold each of us responsible for our actions. The culture does not need to be foreboding or strict; integrity can prompt open collaboration and engagement. Trust encourages reliability and fosters an openness that leads to greater productivity.

Integrity is at the core of every successful business relationship. Consistently keeping our promises builds a foundation of trust that defines our character. If we want to attract top talent to our workforce, cultivate loyal customers, and develop strong and reliable strategic partnerships, we must build a network of trust that benefits everyone involved. A commitment to integrity paves the way for ongoing success.