Embracing Authentic Integrity
Integrity is not something you turn on and off. It is not just about following rules or making ethical choices—it is about being true to who you are in every situation. It shows up in both big decisions and small everyday moments. People with integrity do not need to declare it. Others recognize it in the way they honor commitments, take responsibility for mistakes, and remain consistent in their actions.
At the Morgan County Probate Office, integrity matters because the work affects real people. Accuracy, fairness, and honesty are not just ideals; they are responsibilities. True integrity does not shift depending on who is watching or what is convenient. When people compromise their standards to fit the moment, trust weakens. However, when integrity is consistent, it creates confidence in the work being done and in the people doing it.
Embracing Authentic Integrity means standing by your values, even when doing so is hard. Instead of choosing what is easiest, it requires acting in a way that reflects who you are all the time. When people can trust your honesty and consistency, strong relationships form and credibility grows.
Self-Assessment: Embracing Authentic Integrity
Please take a few moments to answer the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for growth in your leadership and daily life?
Do I stay true to my values, even when it would be easier to go along with others?
Am I the same person in all situations, or do I change my approach based on who is watching?
When I make a mistake, do I take responsibility without making excuses?
Do I avoid bending the truth to make things easier or more convenient?
Are my personal and professional values reflected in how I handle my work?
Do I stand by fair and ethical decisions, even when they are unpopular?
Am I open to feedback about my integrity and willing to improve where needed?
Do my actions match my words, ensuring that people can trust what I say?
There are no right or wrong answers. This is a chance to consider where integrity is already strong in your work and where there may be room to grow.
“They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”
Integrity means staying true to your values, even when it is difficult or unpopular. And it is during those challenging times when our true test of integrity comes. People may claim to be honest and dependable, but their actions tell the real story. The way someone behaves under pressure or when no one is watching says more about their integrity than their words ever could.
In the workplace, authenticity may be tested in different ways. It could mean standing by a fair decision even if others disagree, or speaking up about a concern instead of staying silent to avoid conflict. If someone changes their values based on who is present or shifts their behavior from one situation to another, people begin to question whether they can be trusted.
A lack of authenticity does not always appear obvious at first. It can begin with small compromises, such as telling people what they want to hear rather than what you truly believe. Over time, these choices can lead to bigger issues. On the other hand, those who stay true to their values build a reputation for honesty and dependability. Others know they can trust them to do what is right, no matter the circumstances.
Integrity is not about perfection; it is about accountability. Owning mistakes, correcting them, and maintaining high standards build trust. People respect those who are honest about their shortcomings and who prove that their values are more than mere words.
“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet—thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing—consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust.”
Staying True to Yourself
Phoebe has worked at the courthouse for years and takes pride in her work. She believes in being honest, treating everyone fairly, and following the correct procedures. One afternoon, her coworker Rachel asks her for a favor. A mutual friend, Joey, needs a document processed quickly, and Rachel suggests skipping a few steps to move it along.
“It’s not a big deal,” Rachel says. “We bend the rules all the time. You don’t want to be the only one making things difficult, do you?”
Phoebe hesitates. She knows that following the correct process is important, but she also does not want to upset Rachel or seem uncooperative. She wonders if making this one exception would really matter.
What should Phoebe do?
A) Process the document as requested to keep the peace. It is a small favor, and she does not want to cause tension with Rachel.
B) Refuse immediately and express her disappointment in Rachel for even asking.
C) Have a conversation with Rachel, explaining why skipping steps makes Phoebe uncomfortable. She can acknowledge their friendship while standing by her principles.
D) Ignore the request and hope Rachel does not bring it up again.
The best choice is option C: Phoebe should address the concern directly while maintaining professionalism and respect. By explaining why she is uncomfortable skipping steps, she reinforces the importance of following procedures without being confrontational. This response allows her to stand by her values while preserving a positive working relationship.
Why This Matters:
Taking shortcuts may seem harmless, but each decision shapes how others perceive integrity.
Handling the situation with honesty and respect strengthens Phoebe’s credibility and encourages ethical behavior in the workplace.
Avoiding conflict or bending the rules can lead to long-term consequences, affecting both trust and accountability.
Every choice we make reflects our commitment to integrity. How would Phoebe’s decision influence how others see her in the future?
Option A (Process the document anyway): Encourages cutting corners, weakens Phoebe’s integrity, and sets a risky precedent.
Option B (Immediate refusal with disappointment): Upholds integrity but may come across as harsh, damaging professional relationships.
Option D (Ignore the request): Avoids conflict but allows unethical behavior to continue unchecked, undermining trust.
How would you handle a situation where doing the right thing puts you at odds with those around you?
Staying true to your values, even when it is difficult, strengthens your credibility and the trust others place in you. Below are practical ways to maintain strong integrity in every situation:
Be the same person in all situations. If your values change based on who is present, people will question whether you can be trusted. Authenticity means acting with integrity no matter the audience.
Speak honestly, even when it is uncomfortable. Avoid saying what others want to hear just to keep the peace. Being truthful does not mean being harsh; it means being clear and sincere.
Own your mistakes instead of making excuses. Admitting when you are wrong shows strength, not weakness. Taking responsibility builds trust and encourages others to do the same.
Choose what is right over what is easy. Small compromises can lead to bigger ethical issues, especially over time. Acting with integrity means standing by your values, even when there is pressure to do otherwise.
Encourage honest conversations. If people feel they must hide the truth to avoid conflict, trust suffers. Be open to feedback and ensure honesty is welcome.
Being true to yourself fosters confidence—in how you see yourself and how others perceive you. A strong sense of integrity helps you meet challenges with certainty, guided by your values. In the workplace, this consistency builds trust, respect, and reliability others can depend on.
Authentic Integrity is not just about personal values; it also relies on honesty and openness in communication. Trust cannot grow if information is withheld or if people hesitate to speak the truth. In the next lesson, we will explore how transparency reinforces trust, why open communication matters, and how an honest environment benefits everyone.
Reflection Questions:
Do my actions consistently reflect my values, even when no one is watching?
Have I ever felt pressured to compromise my integrity? How did I respond?
Do I hold myself to the same ethical standards I expect from others?
In what ways does my authenticity impact my relationships with coworkers and the community?
When I make a mistake, do I take responsibility and correct it, or do I try to justify or downplay it?
Expand your understanding of Authentic Integrity with the following resources. Use this opportunity to refine your leadership skills and navigate challenges with the care and professionalism that define The MCPO Way.
Get Ahead Without Lying: Succeeding Through Integrity And Authenticity
Staying True to You: Authenticity and Integrity in Action (9:43)
Erin Coupe
Integrity | Authentic Happiness
Authentic Leadership: Leading with Integrity in a Changing World