Shepherds College Character Trait #4: Integrity

Definition of Integrity – Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code

In the definition above, integrity calls for “steadfast adherence.”  The working Shepherds College definition of Integrity is “knowing and doing what is right all the time.”

Integrity is one of those character traits that you either have or you don’t. You can’t have a little.

~If you give in and lie, even if only to a bill collector, you don’t have integrity. 

~If your husband asks you not to touch his chocolate-covered peanut clusters and you sneak four of them, you don’t have integrity.

~If you’re counting calories, but omit those in the bowl of guacamole you ate exactly at midnight because you couldn’t decide whether to put them on today’s tally or tomorrow’s, then you don’t have integrity.

As the Bible says, “One who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

Ouch! Integrity cannot be compromised – ever. If you compromise integrity, you simply don’t have it.

Integrity is not something you’re born with, and it’s not something that naturally develops as you age. It actually goes against our nature as sinful beings. You build integrity in one way -

To borrow a quote from an unknown source, “Integrity results from the relentless pursuit of honesty at all times.”

In order to relentlessly pursue the building of integrity in our students, the staff at Shepherds College holds them accountable for what they say and what they do. 

·         Dishonesty is addressed immediately.

·         Borrowing first requires permission from the owner.

·         Students do their own work.  Cheating is not tolerated.

·         Students always need to source where their information came from on projects and reports. Give credit where credit is due.

·         Students practice Conflict Resolution steps to avoid the over-exaggerated “he said, she said” arguments. This helps them focus on the facts only.

·         Teachers ask the students to give honest feedback to other students when giving constructive criticism using the THINK acrostic. Before talking, they first ask themselves if their words are:

True
Helpful
Inspiring
Necessary
Kind

Mrs. Kolkman and her THINK acrostic

·         Chef McCarthy has two acrostics of his own that he insists his students follow to develop their understanding of accountability and integrity:

Help
Others
Thrive

And

                      be Considerate of others
   always let God Order your steps
          never stop Learning
                      be Determined to never give up

Integrity is so important in the workplace and in life. A person of integrity will be respected and trusted. They will be given more responsibility and cultivate stronger relationships. They can walk through each day with a clear conscience, without guilt. It sounds like a great way to live a life of Appropriate Independence.

Now excuse me. I have a confession to make to my husband.

 

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.