Having integrity is about more than just saying the right things. It’s about doing the right things, even when no one is watching.

Now, how do you recognize a man of high integrity?

Well, there are certain behaviors that can give you a hint. These behaviors are like little signposts that point towards a man’s character.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 behaviors that indicate a man has a high level of integrity. Keep an eye out for these traits – they’re telltale signs of a stand-up guy.

1) He’s honest, even when it’s not convenient

Integrity and honesty go hand in hand. But we’re not just talking about a man who tells the truth when it’s easy or convenient.

A man who is a role model of impeccable ethics values honesty—even when it’s uncomfortable or could put him at a disadvantage. He believes in telling the truth, regardless of the circumstances.

This behavior is much easier said than done. It takes courage and strong moral principles to be honest when you have a lot to lose. But for a man of high integrity, being dishonest is simply not an option.

2) He takes responsibility for his actions

If a man is a steadfast guardian of values, he won’t shy away from owning his mistakes. Instead, he’ll take responsibility for his actions, apologize if necessary, and make amends.

Let me share a personal example. I have a friend named John. One time, he accidentally damaged my car while borrowing it. Instead of trying to cover it up or blame someone else, John came straight to me, admitted his mistake, and offered to pay for the repairs.

His actions didn’t just show me that he was sorry. They showed me that he was a man of high integrity. His willingness to take responsibility for his actions, even when it was hard, was a true testament to his character.

3) He respects others, regardless of their status

A down-to-earth man with rock-solid values doesn’t play favorites based on status or what they can gain. He extends respect to everyone, no matter where they stand in society.

That means he’s all about spreading kindness and consideration to those who often fly under the radar. Whether it’s the server at your local joint or the cleaning crew in the office, he treats them all with the same level of dignity.

Ever heard that how someone treats waitstaff says a lot about their character? It’s not just hearsay. Many folks see it as a telltale sign of someone’s true colors—the way they treat those in service roles speaks volumes about who they really are.

4) He keeps his promises

A guy of unassailable integrity knows the weight of his word. When he gives his word, he means it. He doesn’t toss out promises left and right—he’s deliberate. And once he’s in, he’s all in.

This isn’t just about being reliable; it’s about respecting others’ time and trust. Sure, it might seem like a little thing, but sticking to your word speaks volumes about who you are.

Actions, my friend, speak way louder than words. Thus, if you see a guy consistently coming through on his promises, you can bet your bottom dollar he’s got integrity for days.

5) He maintains a strong work ethic

A man you can trust with your eyes closed doesn’t just clock in and clock out—he’s all in, 24/7. He’s not about cutting corners or slacking off; he’s all about going the extra mile, even when the spotlight’s off.

This isn’t just about punching in for success; it’s about taking ownership of every task and holding himself to a sky-high standard. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s the tougher path to tread.

So, if you see a guy grinding away with relentless dedication, whether he’s under the watchful eye or flying solo, you’re looking at a beacon of integrity, my friend.

6) He shows empathy towards others

Integrity isn’t just about honesty and responsibility. It’s also about empathy and understanding. A man of high integrity can put himself in others’ shoes, feel their pain, and respond with kindness and compassion.

He doesn’t dismiss others’ feelings or belittle their experiences. Instead, he acknowledges their emotions and offers his support. This ability to empathize is not just a sign of emotional intelligence; it’s a sign of moral character.

When you see a man consistently show empathy towards others, you’re not just seeing a kind-hearted individual, you’re seeing a man with high integrity. This deep understanding and respect for others’ emotions truly sets him apart.

7) He stands up for what’s right, even when it’s hard

A man who walks the walk doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s all about action. He doesn’t just know what’s right; he lives it out, even when the going gets tough.

I’ll never forget a moment at work when I saw a colleague facing unjust treatment. It would’ve been a breeze to keep my head down and avoid stirring the pot. But instead, I made the choice to speak up.

It wasn’t easy, but deep down, I knew it was the only right move. And that’s what true integrity looks like—a willingness to champion fairness and stand up for what’s just, even when silence seems simpler.

8) He admits when he doesn’t know something

In a world where everyone’s vying to be the authority, a man of true integrity stands out by owning up when he’s in the dark.

Sure, it might seem like a vulnerability, but in reality, it’s a display of robustness and humility. By acknowledging his blind spots, he showcases a hunger for knowledge and self-development.

This thirst for growth and willingness to embrace new insights is the hallmark of a man of unwavering integrity.

9) He values quality over quantity

A man of high integrity isn’t focused on having the most of everything. Instead, he values the quality of what he has. This applies to everything in his life, from his relationships to his possessions.

He’d rather have a few genuine friends than a large number of acquaintances. He’d prefer to own fewer, high-quality items than a multitude of cheap ones.

This shows that he appreciates the value of things and understands that more isn’t always better. This appreciation for quality over quantity is a clear indicator of a man with high integrity.

10) He lives his values

The most important behavior of a man with unwavering integrity is that he doesn’t just talk about his values; he lives them.

His actions align with his beliefs, and he doesn’t compromise on his principles, no matter what. This alignment of words and actions is the true essence of integrity.

A man who lives his values is a man who can be trusted, respected, and admired. This is what sets him apart and makes him a man of high integrity.

It’s all about consistency

Integrity boils down to one word: consistency. 

For men of true integrity, this consistency isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s their way of life. They don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. They don’t merely aspire to honesty, responsibility, and empathy; they embody these qualities day in and day out.

Having integrity isn’t about perfection—it’s about the relentless pursuit of improvement, the humility to own up to missteps, and the willingness to learn from them.

So, as you mull over these insights, ask yourself: How can you inject more consistency into your life? How can you fully live out your values?