Integrity
Integrity is a topic I have long been interested in... interested in improving who I am as a person, as always and know thing that the day I stop learning is the day I die.
I recently read a book by John C. Maxwell called "Developing the leader within you". My general manager recently recommended it to our division. Its a good book, but its affinity with 'the' good book got me down a little. It stands on its own merit and doesn't need Christianity backing it up. By all means I respect all religions but there is no need for such a blurring of lines.
The purpose of the book is to support the development of leader potential and talks about many interesting topics. I have already taken to heart the motto "The water doesn't start flowing until the tap is turned on." The American version in the book being "The warder doesn't start flowing until the faucet is turned on." ;-)
But the aspect of the book that I found the most inspiring was the chapter on Integrity. Maxwell effectively uses quotes and references both to other literature and Peanuts cartoons (ala Snoopy). "The first key to greatness is to be in reality what we appear to be." Says Socrates. Nicely put I thought.
To me integrity speaks of having a set of values that you live to, that shape your behaviour. Everyone makes mistakes, without mistakes we wouldn't have learning. But if your behaviour is consistent with what you say and who you are then for me that brings integrity.
Maxwell rounds of the chapter on integrity with a nice phrase "You will only become what you are becoming right now." A thought provoking phrase that I personally found a good realisation of becoming more that we are now. Something only possible if we are true to ourselves, and the world.
I recently read a book by John C. Maxwell called "Developing the leader within you". My general manager recently recommended it to our division. Its a good book, but its affinity with 'the' good book got me down a little. It stands on its own merit and doesn't need Christianity backing it up. By all means I respect all religions but there is no need for such a blurring of lines.
The purpose of the book is to support the development of leader potential and talks about many interesting topics. I have already taken to heart the motto "The water doesn't start flowing until the tap is turned on." The American version in the book being "The warder doesn't start flowing until the faucet is turned on." ;-)
But the aspect of the book that I found the most inspiring was the chapter on Integrity. Maxwell effectively uses quotes and references both to other literature and Peanuts cartoons (ala Snoopy). "The first key to greatness is to be in reality what we appear to be." Says Socrates. Nicely put I thought.
To me integrity speaks of having a set of values that you live to, that shape your behaviour. Everyone makes mistakes, without mistakes we wouldn't have learning. But if your behaviour is consistent with what you say and who you are then for me that brings integrity.
Maxwell rounds of the chapter on integrity with a nice phrase "You will only become what you are becoming right now." A thought provoking phrase that I personally found a good realisation of becoming more that we are now. Something only possible if we are true to ourselves, and the world.
posted by Matthew Woodget @ 6:34 PM
3 Comments:
"The water doesn't start flowing until the tap is turned on."Unless the gaskets are worn out...
-O-
and how much money have these writers and philosophers made off the back of 'life coaching' book sales - values my arse :-D
Definitely agree with the life coaching comment about writers making money on book sales...makes me think "Don't believe everything you read", otherwise you'll be pulled in different directions for the rest of your life. Perhaps choose one or two opinions which can help evolve your persona, but attempting to make drastic personal changes will likely bring more issues than positive outcomes.
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