This week’s post comes from Doug Post.
In Leading with Integrity we noted that integrity means, “I do what I say I’m going to do…every time.” We noted Michael Hyatt’s definition: honesty is making your words match reality; integrity is making reality match your words.
In Improving Integrity with Clear Expectations we considered:
1. Recovery. When your “yes” turns out to be a “no,” acknowledge, apologize, and
recommit.
2. Clear Expectations and Commitments. Requests must be understood before
we commit.
The third component to improving integrity is to Say “No.”
It is important to learn that just because we can honor a request, doesn’t mean we should. Tim Harford notes, “Every time we say yes to a request, we are also saying no to anything else we might accomplish with the time.” It’s important to learn our personal limits so that we can appropriately balance and meet family, work, and social commitments — your own and your team’s!
This doesn’t mean saying “no” is easy. It’s difficult and awkward. Sometimes we’re considered unhelpful or incapable. Leading with integrity isn’t always easy in the short-term! Tim Harford continues:
or, Thanks for thinking of me, but I’m working on ‘xyz,’ and I’m not sure I can
commit to that right now.”
Give yourself time to reflect and reply with integrity.
vacation or on a project.
are welcome to borrow my car. I am willing to make sure the keys are here for
you.” With this answer you are also saying, “I won’t be able to drive you.”
alternative person or date.
Let’s review what we’ve learned on building integrity with others: (1) learn to recover from integrity breaches, (2) share clear expectations and commitments, and (3) develop the ability to say “no.”
How do you struggle with building integrity and saying “no”? What helps you improve and build integrity?
Continue Leading the Interstates Way!
http://timharford.com/2015/01/the-power-of-saying-no/
