Integrity. It’s a trait that’s often talked about, yet not as frequently demonstrated.

You see, people with high integrity operate differently.

They hold themselves to a higher standard, steering clear from certain behaviors that can tarnish their character.

In this article, I will outline the 7 behaviors that people with high integrity almost always avoid.

So, let’s dive right in. 

1) Dishonesty

Let’s face it, no one likes a liar.

People with high integrity are acutely aware of this. They know that honesty is the bedrock of trust and that trust is fundamental in any relationship.

So, they steer clear of dishonesty at all costs.

When faced with a choice between telling a lie and facing the consequences of the truth, they will always choose the latter.

They understand that one lie can lead to another, creating a web of deceit that’s hard to escape from.

And the fallout from being caught in a lie? It can be devastating.

Trust, once lost, is incredibly hard to regain.

That’s why those with high integrity make it a point to be truthful at all times – even when it’s uncomfortable.

2) Gossiping

We’ve all been there. The office water cooler, a friendly gathering, or even a family reunion.

The conversation starts off innocently enough, then veers into the territory of gossip.

I remember one such instance vividly. I was at a friend’s house, and the conversation started to drift towards talking about a mutual acquaintance who wasn’t present.

It was tempting to join in – after all, everyone else was doing it.

People with high integrity, like myself, resist this temptation. We understand that talking behind someone’s back is not only disrespectful but can also harm relationships and trust.

I decided to steer the conversation in a different direction, focusing on positive topics and news instead.

Did it make me popular? Not necessarily. But acting with integrity isn’t about popularity.

It’s about doing what’s right, even when no one is watching or when it might be easier to join in.

3) Taking the easy way out

People with high integrity are no strangers to hard work.

They understand that nothing worthwhile comes easy, and they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.

People who exhibit high levels of integrity often thrive in challenging situations.

They see difficulties not as obstacles, but as opportunities to learn and grow.

Instead of looking for shortcuts or the easiest route, they’re more likely to embrace the challenge head-on, even if it means making tough decisions or facing hardship.

The path of least resistance might seem appealing, but those with high integrity often find greater satisfaction in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals through hard work and perseverance.

4) Being disrespectful

Respect is a fundamental value for people with high integrity. They believe in treating others the way they would like to be treated.

This means they show respect in all interactions, regardless of who they’re dealing with.

It could be their boss, a colleague, a customer, or even a stranger on the street – everyone deserves respect in their eyes.

They steer clear of behaviors that are dismissive or belittling.

They don’t interrupt when others are speaking, they don’t use derogatory language, and they certainly don’t demean others to make themselves look better.

For people with high integrity, being respectful is not just about maintaining harmony in their relationships.

It’s about acknowledging the worth of every individual and recognizing that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

5) Breaking promises

Promises are not meant to be broken, especially not by those with high integrity.

When they make a commitment, they stick to it. They understand that their word is their bond.

People with high integrity value reliability and consistency. They know that when they make a promise, others are depending on them.

So, they do everything in their power to fulfill their commitments.

Breaking promises is not in their nature because they understand the importance of trust in relationships.

They also know that repeatedly breaking promises could damage their reputation and credibility.

Whether it’s a major commitment or a minor agreement, people with high integrity take their promises seriously.

They’d rather over-deliver than under-deliver, and if for some reason they can’t keep a promise, they communicate this honestly and directly.

6) Ignoring the needs of others

High integrity individuals have big hearts. They understand that we all share this world, and they believe in making it a better place through empathy and kindness.

Ignoring the needs of others?  That’s just not in their nature.

They’re the ones who lend a helping hand when it’s needed, who listen attentively when someone needs to talk, who put others’ needs before their own.

They believe in the power of empathy, compassion, and understanding.

They see beyond their own world and acknowledge the struggles and needs of others.

This doesn’t mean they’re pushovers or that they neglect their own needs. But they understand the profound impact of simple acts of kindness.

7) Taking credit for others’ work

I remember a project I was involved in a few years back.

It was a major undertaking, and everyone on the team worked tirelessly to ensure its success.

When it was time to present our results, one member of the team, who had contributed the least, took most of the credit.

It was a disheartening experience.

People with high integrity, however, don’t take credit for others’ work.

They understand that success is a collective effort and that each team member’s contribution is vital.

They are quick to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of others, understanding that recognition can go a long way in motivating and inspiring people.

Taking undue credit not only undermines the efforts of others but also erodes trust within the team.

People with high integrity would rather share success than claim it all for themselves.

8) Neglecting self-improvement

People with high integrity are lifelong learners.

They are always open to learning and improving themselves, understanding that growth is a continuous process.

Stagnation and complacency is not an option. They know that there is always room for improvement.

These individuals seek feedback and take it constructively, using it as a tool for personal and professional development.

They don’t shy away from challenges or difficult situations; instead, they use these experiences to become better versions of themselves.

Growth is important to them, so they are  constantly pushing their boundaries, and striving to reach their full potential.

9) Compromising their values

At the heart of it all, people with high integrity never compromise their core values.

These values are their guiding principles, shaping their decisions and actions.

Whether it’s honesty, respect, fairness, or empathy, these individuals stand firm in their beliefs.

They don’t bend their values to fit into societal norms or to please others.

They understand that maintaining their values may sometimes put them in difficult situations or make them unpopular.

But they would rather face the consequences than compromise on what they believe in.

Ultimately, it’s about character

The essence of high integrity isn’t about a list of avoided behaviors, but rather, it’s a reflection of one’s character.

People with high integrity make conscious choices to uphold their values and principles, even in the face of adversity.

They understand that their actions, more than their words, reflect who they truly are.

They say that character is what you do when no one is watching.

And for people with high integrity, these moments are opportunities to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to honesty, respect, and fairness.

Embodying high integrity isn’t always easy.

It requires courage, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to doing what’s right.

But those who embrace it find a sense of fulfillment and contentment that goes beyond the immediate gratification of taking the easy way out.