I’ve heard it said that integrity is what you do when no one is watching. But have you ever done the right thing when no one was looking, only to secretly wish it would earn you a few points?
I’ve caught myself doing the right thing while carrying a second, quieter hope that the right thing would make me look a little better.
The door to the drink cooler sat open a crack. As I walked by, I noticed and shut it tight. Later that day, I saw some water on the floor. I grabbed some paper towels and mopped it up so no one would slip. No one was around to see.
Internally, I encouraged myself with the thought that I was being an “owner, not a renter,” a quality promoted within various organizations where I have worked. I was choosing to take care of the facility as though I owned it.
But if I am bruta…