Integrity of Influence

Integrity and Competition

I’m learning that competition can be from the heart of integrity.

Most easily, I see this when someone grabs hold of competition for not only their growth but for the growth/success of those around them or their organization.

When we enter into competition with a holistic mindset, we invite others in as well. Those who will grow quickly, and adapt to change, those who are driven, will not be able to keep out of the competition. Not to ‘win’ in the typical sense but to ‘win’ in a new sense. To win with integrity. Win that one may grow and/or those around grow.

I’m looking for competition in this way. Compete to make better, create more, work smarter, so others step in with me because they can’t help but do it.

A hinge-point here is that when someone enters into the ring of competition, we cannot shame them out nor ignore them. We must engage with integrity of influence and integrity of action at the core.

Give more than take

This is an ideal situation. The people around us and us give more than we take.

Is it even possible?

As creative “creatures” (it’s in the name) we have the capacity to create more, give more, make more, send more than we take in.

We are not simple beings who work like a gas engine. We have potential to be motivated, driven individuals, not based on what we receive on a transnational level. This resource to give must then come from within.

We must summon it. And we can!

I’m done believing the lie that I ought to have more or I need more to go forward. I am powerful beyond my comprehension.

Of course there will be times where we need to take more than we give. And in those situations, I hope we can feel comfortable knowing we’ve surrounded ourselves with people who give more than they take.

Discretion

This is a word that should be driven out of integrity, wholeness.

If not, it can be used to manipulate. If used with a heart of integrity and considering the other and entirety of a situation, it is powerful.

“the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation”

“the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information”

We have more discretion than we imagine. We should be accessing this tool more.

We will grow in understanding, others will be less hindered, and we will stop getting in our own way. Ensure it comes from a heart of holistic nature or whole hope.

Savior Complex

I recently started leading something new to me at work. I came in with a plan. A plan based on my perception of the group and my boss’ perception. I went in head strong claiming my plan expecting those I lead to “hip hip hooray!”

Needless to say that’s not the reason I’ve gotten especially from the ‘old timers’ in the group.

I neglected to come in with a humble spirit, an understanding ear, a thoughtful strategy. Thoughtful towards those who have the best perception of the group. The ones who have been there.

I missed the opportunity to consider the other when I started. I lacked Integrity of Influence.

Going forward, I’ll be considering the other, reaching out to those in the team before finalizing my plan.

And the next time I start something new, I’ll be cautious to claim my plans for the team…maybe even start without plans and go in ready to listen and act.

Leading with Humility

“…but in humility consider others better than yourself.” -Philippians 2

When leading or attempting to lead others, I consider myself and my interests first and often only.

The passage above asks for a different attitude in leading. It requires us to think of the success of others. Consider that they are better and more deserving, more worthy of the credit, the success, the benefits.

I’m going to look for ways to lead considering the other more. Consider their needs but also and even more consider them better than I. Consider their success over mine. Look to have them succeed even if I gain nothing.

That’s the leader I want to follow.

Motivation is Cheap

It is. Motivation is all about the outward carrying the inward.

Inspiration however is all about the inward. The inward having a fire lit in it and driving forward.

I’m not in the motivation business. I’ll be looking to inspire more.

No more carrot on a stick. Instead I’m going for…I’m not sure what a good analogy is. I’ll let you know when I think of one.

Equity over Equality

American has gotten something wrong. We are missing key principles to progress in a diverse world and country.

We must recognized the need for equity. We must work to give those who are socially destined with less.

This must start with a holistic view of privileged in society. When we understand privilege, we can start to notice the need for equity over equality.

I believe this election is showing us that large proportions of America does not agree with the image below.

I will be working to ensure that I can give away the benefits of my privilege and work to help others experience more equity. I will control my own actions and encourage others to take hold of this integrity driven, holistic approach on progress. Will you join me?

Thank you to my wife, Kelly, for leading me towards equity often.

Image result for equity over equality

Power

We are able to create life in a petri dish, construct skyscrapers with mind bending engineering, send robots almost 250 million miles away to Mars, raise children who are valued members of society, foster life that overcomes horrific addictions…

We have more power than we even could hope for.

When we feel powerless or weak, we should remember the intricacies of creativity and life we have been given.

We are on the hook for this power.

Defensive

Why do I get defensive? Usually to protect myself. I am putting self security, safety of my image of myself, all above the importance of listening to another person.

I’ve been trying to listen more purely to people I trust. Instead of get defensive off the bat, I’ve leaned into listening with an open mind.

And it has been so rewarding! I’ve learned so much about myself and even more about those I’m listening to.

I hope I can transfer this to those outside of the circle of those I ‘trust’.

Freeing Integrity pt. 1

As I gain freedom to act with more integrity (wholly oneself, fully true, …) I am finding more joy and fulfillment.

I feel less obligated to act in areas I know are not my arena. At the same time I feel more obligated in areas that are my forte. I feel as though I’m accomplishing more. Not necessarily more off my checklist but the things I am checking off or working towards are being done better. Much better.

I’m loving my wife more fully when I realize I don’t need to spend the extra 10 minutes checking social media at night. I’m able to ensure my team at work has what they need when I realize the urgent request from another group is not the important matter I need to focus on. I’m giving more of my time and resources to people and organizations I care most about and able to toss out mailing requests and say no to those who are not in my arena of influence.

This is so freeing.