During one of my engagements with one of the leadership team that I belong to, I had a profound experience that was totally unexpected but hit me to the core.

As you may know, I am very passionate as I write on organizational behavior with particular reference to ethical conduct. We often bemoan the low levels of integrity and honesty in business. As a result, proponents have gone to great lengths to discuss proper behavior within organizations and between them.

Because of the seemingly low levels of adherence to ethical behavior, those that advocate and practice it, risk being ridiculed and isolated for insisting on what is right. Sometimes they are unfairly pushed out because they are seen not be “aligned” and quietly proceed with premature exit but with their integrity intact. In some cases these colleagues seek legal redress and if successful, the evidence adduced in court to support their case can break the hearts of upright people. It is unbelievable what some actors think they can get away with…!

Going back to my encounter, I heard how difficult it is sometimes for one to insist on what is correct and resist efforts to draw them into impropriety. I was in awe at the extent of resolve I was hearing from my colleagues, how they stood firm in the face of adversity and had no regrets for doing right in the organizations they had once worked for.

I felt refreshed, inspired and reassured by their stories! Happy to have had the privilege to have the value and benefits of doing right emphasized and imprinted in my mind.

Let’s continue to grow the numbers in the community of professionalism,integrity, authenticity and dignity.