Integrity at Work-Do the Right thing and Do things Right

By
Douglas Ross

“Individually and collectively, we will optimize our efforts to safely complete quality work that meets customer expectations on time, every time at a world class cost.”

The goal statement is an example of integrity at work.

The goal integrates the mindsets and behaviors required for success with specific performance measures of people, safety, quality, delivery and cost that directly impact profitability. It assumes that the requisite organizational structures, systems and processes are healthy and robust. 

Yet, integrity at work is not yet a vital ingredient in our personal and professional lives.

The challenge is to create a simple and easy way to integrate people, systems, processes and structures to be successful at work and at home.

Integrity can be defined as wholeness, consistency and objectivity.

This translates into three simple ideas “do the right thing, do the next right thing and do things right”.

These three simple ideas result in personal and organizational performance. Results then are created through integrity.

 “Do the right thing” defines the way people make decisions about what is right and wrong.

It is a holistic approach that considers and measures the consequences of actions. If done properly it involves identifying and dealing with current reality without blame or denial. It results in the permanent eradication of problems that impact our short term and long term survival.

 “Do the next right thing” defines the way people apply integrity to the constant unfolding of the apparently random events in daily life.

This is the core competency of integrity. The opportunity for acting with integrity occurs all the time. It is as simple as responding to every situation by showing respect for others, being grateful for what we have or meeting our duty and obligations.

 “Do things right” defines a timeless, proven way of completing every task in life.

Do things right is a reality-based continuous improvement system of individual and organizational learning. It creates the internal wisdom and external skills to safely complete every job on time, within  budget and in a manner that exceeds customer expectations.

 “Doing the right thing, doing the next right thing and doing things right” not only applies to each of us individually but it applies to all our organizations-no matter the purpose or size. It can be used to frame our strategies and tactics for organizational systems, processes and structures.

 Organizational systems are an interrelated set of activities and channels designed to achieve specific goals. For example, homes have electrical and plumbing systems. Organizational systems, designed with integrity, ensure the continuous flow of products and/or services.   

Organizational processes are human activities such as problem solving, decision making, continuous improvement, communications, and team building.

Flawed problem solving and decision-making processes negatively impact the collective survival of the organizational unit. Organizational processes, designed with integrity, ensure the vital processes of correction and validation in achieving organizational goals and targets.

Organizational structures house people, systems and processes.

They are the governance, legislative, technological, social and physical structures that enable organizations and people to add value. Structural integrity is the very platform on which all things are possible.

Results through integrity promotes personal and organizational work systems, processes and structures that creates results

Do you want to know more? Visit our web site at www.principledynamics or call us.