High-profile scandals and ethical fiascos pierce today’s society. Unbridled greed, lack of accountability, moral indifference and cultural decay are common and at all levels. Many Americans believe that integrity is a virtue that vanishes across the spectrum. The times deserve its reaffirmation, perhaps its reinvention, as a cornerstone of our society, as a fundamental principle of the moral compass. The editors of The New York Times once wrote: “Without integrity, all other virtues turn to sand.”

Few would question the idea that we need more. Everyone wants it and expects it from everyone else. No one, however, offers its authentic meaning or affirms its vital benefits. Instantly recognized in practice, in the abstract this timeless good-natured trait remains vague and elusive.

During the Iranian hostage crisis, Cyrus Vance resigned from his prestigious position as Secretary of State in the Carter Administration. He did so because he could no longer support President Carter’s Iran policy in good faith. His actions led a reporter to write: “You can put Vance’s name next to the dictionary definition of personal integrity.” Mr. Webster, however, is of limited help in defining the first great virtue.

What is the true definition of integrity? In short, it is the ability to defend an idea. It is unwavering loyalty to one’s own judgement, opinions and values, when faced with the temptation to abandon them. Water Lippman, author of the influential book A Preface to Morals, wrote: “There is virtue in someone who can respond to a situation larger than his mother’s inclinations, if he can hold on to an ideal of conduct when it is inconvenient or unprofitable to do so.” so.”

Eugene V. Debs was a social agitator on the American scene during the first decades of the last century. He was opposed to small children working in the dangerous coal mines. While demonstrating against it in Ohio, he was arrested, charged with disturbing the peace, and jailed. He received a telegram. He would say: “Keep your principles regardless of the consequences. Your mother and your father.” Debs stood her ground and became a major factor in reforming this country’s child labor laws.

What invisible forces motivate people of integrity? There are many:

• Personal pride is one;
• A strong streak of individualism is one factor;
• For others it is the insistence on independent thought and action;

All, however, are overcome by an enduring lure: an ardent and determined attempt to maintain self-respect. Twentieth century thinker and writer Brad Blanchard declared that self-respect is the intangible that drives the moral engine. Because, as he said, “it’s what no one can afford to lose.”

Self-respect is part of the good feelings one has about oneself. It is the inner certainty that one is making the right decisions and sticking to them. In the dark hours of the Civil War, when the Union was losing one battle after another, and his personal criticism and excoriation was at its height, Abraham Lincoln held a private conference at the White House. He told his Secretary of War, Henry Stanton: “When this terrible war is over, I intend to stay with a friend, and he is very much into me.”

People of integrity earn admiration and respect. If we pause and reflect, the reasons become clear. Integrity enforces purpose. Generate commitment. Reinforces standards at all levels. Defeat the ill-advised compromise. It encourages conduct of integrity and promotes better performance, both in private life and in professions and organizations.

What are you doing to reinvent and reinforce the fundamental value of integrity in your daily actions, and that of your profession, your team, your organization?