Isn’t it better for you to find out earlier than later that someone lacks integrity? This article will help you to identify people lacking integrity who are dishonest, hypocritical, and unreliable.
What is Integrity and What is Lacking Integrity?
The word “integrity” is hard to define, but most people know it when they see it. Interestingly, you can get a better understanding of the word integrity by its synonym, “incorruptible“, and its antonyms, “hypocrisy” or “corruptible“. Indeed, these terms get to the heart of what personal integrity means and stands for. Below are the qualities as well as definitions of integrity that apply to a person of integrity.
Qualities of a Person with Integrity
- INCORRUPTIBILITY. Firm adherence to a code, especially moral or artistic values.
- SOUNDNESS. An unimpaired condition.
- COMPLETENESS. The quality or state of being complete or undivided.
On the other hand, a person who lacks integrity has these qualities:
Qualities of a Person Lacking Integrity
- CORRUPTIBLE. A willingness to act dishonestly.
- HYPOCRITICAL. Pretends to be something they are not; words and actions do not align with their professed values and beliefs.
- UNRELIABLE. Undependable, unstable, untrustworthy, deceptive, unsound.
How To Detect a Lack of Integrity in Others.
First and foremost, avoid individuals who lack integrity in any type of relationship. Indeed, this applies to any social situation to include at home, work, or school. Indeed, maintaining a relationship with someone who lacks integrity will have negative consequences for you. Worse yet, you may get caught up in their dishonest behavior and compromise your own integrity. Below are some ways to detect someone who lacks integrity courtesy the Ladders and ACTs.
Ways to Detect Someone Who Lacks Integrity
1. They are Unreliable.
If someone is habitually unreliable, they lack integrity no matter what the cause or their intent
2. Their Mindset Is “If It’s Legal, It’s Ethical”.
This is a situation where a person follows the letter of the law, but does not do what is right.
3. Their Definition Of Honesty Is Fluid.
They don’t care about “little white lies“. These types of lies can lead to outright deception where other persons are adversely affected. Also, integrity is lacking when a person just focuses on doing the right thing only when they have an audience.
4. They Have a Selfish vs.Team Mentality.
They think their behavior doesn’t hurt anyone. Indeed, their primary purpose is to enrich themselves and not add value to the team or others.
5. Their Attitude Is “Do as I Say, Not as I Do”.
They are not interested in setting an example or pulling their own weight. Further, they will claim all the credit for a project, engage in a conflict of interest, and show favoritism.
6. They Always Get Defensive.
All of us can get defensive, but none of us are perfect. Indeed, it becomes clear that there is a lack of integrity when a person is always unapologetic. What’s more, they are constantly defending their bad or questionable decisions, actions, or behavior.
For more information from Unvarnished Facts, see the latest articles on Accountability and Values.
Writer and advisor in supply chain technology and operational analytics. Passionate about giving actionable insights on information technology, business, innovation, creativity, and life in general.