Typically, I don’t like to define something by what it’s not. Today I’ll let you go to Merriam Webster online and read the definition of integrity for yourself… because the antonyms & synonyms might be even MORE telling.
This month we are looking into the shared “things” — skills — behaviors — etc. — between successful salespeople and sales leaders.
Last week’s newsletter was around the idea that trust is built in SMALL increments, which leads RIGHT into your integrity being everything.
Antonyms, or the opposite of integrity, is listed as: badness, evil, evildoing, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy, and wickedness.
Which sound like bad traits in either a salesperson or sales leader!
As for Synonyms, I saw these tips and I started to think; what if we used the tips for choosing the right synonym for integrity in choosing someone we want to work with or for?
HONESTY, HONOR, PROBITY all mean uprightness of character or action.
- HONESTY implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.
- HONOR suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one’s profession, calling, or position.
- PROBITY implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.
As salespeople, our profession is often derided for use of deception to close a sale, holding back information to get the deal, not being 100 percent truthful to make something go our way.
I’d suggest the only way to counter these stereotypes is to do everything with integrity, telling the truth and acting with honor.
Again – building someone else’s belief in your integrity is done in SMALL increments. Integrity is actually the proof, it’s your track record of doing the right things consistently.
As salespeople, we have to commit to holding ourselves to a higher standard than anyone would expect. Luckily, their expectations tend to be pretty low because of the stereotypes.
I’ll admit – all of those suggestions, actions, behaviors for salespeople also sounds like the best managers and leaders I’ve worked for… kind of funny how that makes complete sense as I’m writing it down.
This week make sure all your actions add up HONESTY, HONOR, PROBITY to show INTEGRITY.
Lynn
P.S. Probity is how you show, not tell, when it comes to integrity. Your ongoing integrity is part of your “personal proof,” as I describe above. If your team needs more ways to demonstrate their integrity, click reply and let’s talk.
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