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How to Write a Personal Ethics Statement (With Examples)

A class assignment, a scholarship requirement, or an admissions essay needs you to write the unnerving personal ethics statement. Your personal ethics statement should be drafted in a manner that is likely to impress the audience immediately.

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.” – Jim Stovall, American author

Writing a personal ethics statement may seem like a daunting task, but the reality is far different. Agreed, nobody is used to writing about themselves and the beliefs they possess. But this statement is nothing but a reflection of the writer’s personality on paper. The writer’s ability to distinguish between right and wrong, certain beliefs and opinions are all to be included in this statement that presents your morals and personal philosophies to the reader.

Personal Ethics Statement Format

The general format would be:

~ A striking introduction. ~ Body of the statement – this includes your beliefs, practices, and related justifications. ~ A decent conclusion.

Even though this statement is a reflection of you as an individual, it is still very important to keep in mind the reader who is going to be assessing it. The reader (in most cases, your professor or an admission committee) wants to know all about you in the best-possible way, and the only way to do this is keep your statement simple, emphatic, and honest.

Introduction

There are several ways of beginning your personal ethics statement. You may choose to write a little bit about yourself in order to introduce yourself to your reader. Write about profound moments that you’ve experienced till now, instances from your life that influenced you, and what you feel makes you a good person. Remember to keep it short though, you wouldn’t want to bore the reader with lengthy life stories! Pen down your little autobiography beforehand to avoid a messy start to your statement. For those who aren’t really comfortable with writing about themselves in their statement, you may choose to begin with a quote by your favorite author that is in line with what you are going to be writing. You may also begin with the importance of personal ethics.

Body of the statement

The body of the statement has to include all your core beliefs, your thoughts and opinions about what is correct individual behavior according to you, and reflect your views and philosophies. You may have to follow certain guidelines, depending on the reason why you’re writing it, but the core of the essay has to be a reflection of you and your feelings. Here are a few important points to remember when writing the body of the statement.

• Personal ethics are beliefs that you base your opinions and actions on. Hence, it is highly recommended that you mention only the ethics that you strongly believe in. In simple words, include only the practices that you unfailingly preach. Anything that is not from your core belief system will make itself apparent and establish itself to be untrue right away. For example, if you aren’t a vegetarian yourself but you write about vegetarianism being the need of the day, it will become obvious to the reader that you don’t believe what you write, and the concept of a personal ethics statement will become invalid.
• Since childhood, you have been taught how to differentiate between right and wrong. Include those morals in your statement, and don’t hesitate to provide short justifications for possessing a particular belief. Keep in mind that these beliefs belong to you, and don’t exclude any thoughts that you feel may seem unusual to the reader. For instance, if you are strongly against products made from animal hide, include your honest opinion in your statement.
• Every statement has its own requirements, and you will have to compile only those ethics that match the nature of the statement. For example, if you are writing this statement as a prerequisite for a scholarship, you will have to write about your personal ethics regarding academics and related activities. In such a case, your views about global warming probably won’t help the statement much, unless, of course, you are an environment student!

Once you have listed all your personal ethics, you can conclude your essay. It may be a good idea to conclude with the need and importance of personal ethics. You may choose to include the use of personal ethics in daily life in your conclusion. You may also want to write the ways in which following personal ethics has made you a better person.

Once you are done with writing your personal ethics statement, check it thoroughly for any factual, grammatical or spelling errors. Also, make sure that your statement is free from plagiarism and is truly a reflection of your own self.

Examples of a Personal Ethics Statement

A generic example of a personal ethics statement.

The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘ethics’ as “Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.” Ethics are an important part of our daily lives, and our personal moral beliefs are responsible for several of our judgments and actions. I believe that there are times in every individual’s life when (s)he has to choose the right alternative, distinguish between right and wrong and support what is appropriate for society as a whole, which is when the personal ethics system comes into the picture.

My personal ethics consist of qualities that always help me pick the legitimate option in sticky situations. I am an honest person―the truth always matters to me more than anything else at any given moment. Since childhood, this quality has always directed me away from petty distractions that many children face at some time or the other―cheating in class examinations, and stealing, for instance. I have always stood up for what is right, and this has helped me become the person I am today.

I also consider my hardworking and sincere nature to be one of my biggest strengths. I believe honesty and hard work are intricately linked, and this has always shown me the importance of dedication and sincerity for fulfilling my ambitions, which is why, I am not afraid to take up seemingly difficult tasks. I am not afraid to stand up for what I truly believe in, and being a rational person, I rarely let emotions take control of any situation, which is extremely necessary at times when justice has to prevail.

I strongly believe that in order to receive fair treatment from others, it is very important to treat others the way you want to be treated. Thus, I try my best to be polite to everyone I meet. This ensures that I don’t add to anyone’s problems, if any, and assures polite interaction for most of the time.

I also deem consistency as one of the most important personal ethics one should possess. My work is always consistent in nature, and I strive hard to deliver results that are not sporadic.

However, every coin has two sides and just like my strengths, I too possess my share of weaknesses. Sometimes, I am too frank while expressing my opinions, and that has the ability of hurting people, though unintentionally. My tendency to grab the lead also sometimes labels me as a dominating person when working in a team. I also tend to react strongly to unfair criticism, which is a strength and weakness at the same time.

I would thus like to conclude by saying that personal ethics are important not only in a professional or academic setting, but also in every individual’s personal life. My personal ethics will always influence my decisions and actions during any dilemma, and if I come across any more ethics that will help my personal and professional growth, I will not hesitate to adapt to them.

The Personal Ethics Statement Of An Aspiring Journalist

As an aspiring journalist, writing about personal ethics is provoking endless thoughts in my mind―what is right, according to me, and what is wrong? Are my beliefs in accordance to what society thinks and feels? Will my personal ethics help me go a long way in my career? As I go on thinking and penning down my thoughts, I am relieved, and proud to say that my list of ethics answers every question in my mind affirmatively.

I will always strive to be excellent at everything I do. I will not settle for anything lesser than the best, and will do everything I can to achieve the best results in all my professional endeavors. I will not procrastinate when it comes to my work and will deliver the expected results on or before time.

As a journalist and person, I will always be sincere and honest in everything I do. I will not bend any facts or rules just for personal benefit, and will always be dependable, trustworthy and reliable for the organization. I promise to build my reputation only on the basis of merit, and nothing else.

With integrity comes courage. I will never hesitate to stand up for what is right, and will do so even if I am in a difficult situation that demands me to ignore what is wrong. I will always support the truth and never let anyone influence me to do otherwise. I will not give in to peer pressure and will never let the fear of failing affect my actions.

I will always strive to remain humble and grounded. I will not let any accolades or praise affect my attitude, and will always be polite to my peers, superiors and juniors. I will make sure to never hurt or mock anyone intentionally.

I would like to conclude by saying that it is the responsibility of every journalist to abide by ethics that will benefit not only themselves, but also their working environment, and society as a whole, and my list of personal ethics will definitely help me fulfill this responsibility.

The Personal Ethics Statement Of A Student

Mr. Henry Kravis, co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, famously said, “If you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. You can’t buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral or ethical person, you really have nothing.” I agree with Mr. Kravis’ views. Personal ethics are very important for every individual, be it a student, an employee, or a businessperson. I believe personal ethics are not limited to an academic setting or workplace, but extend to the family and society as well. As an individual, a daughter, and a student, I abide by some basic personal ethics which help me become a better person everyday.

I believe that to gain respect from others, you have to give it first. I strive to respect everyone I come in contact with, as I know they all might have overcome obstacles or faced tough times to get to where they are today. I don’t assign respect as per status. I have immense respect for my professors, for my peers, and for everyone else who is around me.

Integrity and Honesty

Integrity and honesty are two values which I promise to abide by in every situation. I will never engage in plagiarism, cheat, or break any rules which might result in someone else getting hurt. I promise to stand up against all that is wrong, and will always support nothing but the truth.

Intellectual Knowledge

I will always strive to expand my intellectual knowledge through thorough and comprehensive reading, and attending various seminars and lectures whenever I get the opportunity.

Conducive Behavior

I will always try my best to help those in need, be it my peers, family members, or anyone else who requires it. I will never let myself become the reason for someone else’s troubles and will always behave in a co-operative manner. I promise that I will always have a healthy competitive spirit, and I will never let competition affect my attitude towards my peers, superiors or juniors.

Effective Time Management

I promise to manage my time effectively and never let pressure affect me in a negative manner. I will try my best to balance my time between my studies and recreation, and will not let one aspect of my life affect the other.

I believe that all the qualities I have mentioned in my statement are necessary in order to be a good, sincere student. My personal ethics help me form judgments and base my actions in a certain way. I am confident that abiding by them will always lead me to the right path, in every phase of my life.

The outline examples given above are sample personal ethics statements that might be used as reference by students or working professionals alike. These statements are just a loose idea of what a personal ethics statement should be like. Add your list of personal ethics, compile your thoughts and opinions, and simply pen down what comes to your mind when you think of your beliefs and morals, and you’re good to go!

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How to Write a Personal Ethics Statement—And Why Every Professional Should

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What is a Personal Ethics Statement?

Personal ethics are your guidelines for forming relationships, overcoming challenges, and decision- making. A personal ethics statement is a one-page essay that gives a picture of your core values and what potential supervisors, colleagues, or clients can expect from working with you. It can be useful when you’re applying for school , just starting out in your career, looking for a new job, trying to expand your client base, or advancing your career.  

In this article we will discuss personal ethics—which should not be mistaken for professional ethics. Personal ethics relate to the values you hold in personal relationships and daily life, an whereas professional ethics relate to how you conduct yourself in business settings, deals, and professional relationships.  

An important part of your personal ethics statement is identifying your personal beliefs and personal values. Some code of ethics examples include integrity, selflessness, honesty, loyalty, equality, fairness, empathy, respect, and self-respect. This article is a complete resource for forming your personal ethics and transforming them into a compelling personal ethics statement.

Professional Impacts of Personal Ethics

There are many occasions your personal ethics will play a role in your behavior in professional settings. No matter your line of work, it’s important that you maintain unshakable personal ethics in your professional relationships and how you interact in the workplace.

Business Ethics

Business ethics are the practices and policies put into place to ensure people and resources are treated ethically in business dealings. While you’re making decisions in business to benefit a company, you must consider the impact of those decisions on others. Developing your personal code of conduct will help support you in upholding your company policies in the workplace, which will help you maintain personal integrity, as well as avoid potential business scandals . Learn about how to be an ethical leader in a business setting.

With a career in information technology, part of your job involves having access to private or confidential information. Your moral compass plays a significant role in keeping this type of information safe, especially since cyber-attacks—which happen every 39 seconds on average—are so prevalent in modern society. Having a career in IT immerses you in the world of cyber security , where ethical behavior and policy adherence are essential.

Healthcare Ethics

In the healthcare field, you’re responsible for human lives, so it’s no wonder that strong professional competence and integrity are important in how you carry yourself at work. There are plenty of complex issues, regulations, and compliance policies that you’ll encounter in a hospital or care facility, which demands that you seek the guidance of your personal ethics.

Teaching Ethics

Strong moral values are a necessary component of being a teacher. When your job is to sculpt young minds, you have must take responsibility for setting a strong example for them. Part of this is keeping students safe, part of this is treating all students equally and without discrimination. Part of this is creating healthy boundaries between your students and your personal life . If you build a personal ethics statement, you have a north star to look towards in this professional setting as you encounter ethical dilemmas. If you’re planning to become a teacher, you should also consider writing a teaching philosophy statement.

How Do I Write a Personal Ethics Statement?

There are five essential steps to writing—and perfecting—your personal ethics statement: 

1. Know your audience. 

The first step to writing an effective personal ethics statement is knowing and understanding the audience you’re writing for. This one-page piece of writing is supposed to influence the reader, so keeping the motivations and sentiments of your audience in mind while writing is important to completing your goal. Once you know your audience, whether it be an admissions counselor or a potential employer, then you can choose words and reference practices and policies that resonate with them and meet any guidelines in place.  

2. Choose your goals. 

There are two important types of goals to think about when building your personal ethics statement: your short-term and long-term goals. For example, your short-term goal may be getting into college, while your long-term goal is becoming a software engineer. Once you identify these, then you can phrase your personal ethics in terms of how they relate to your desired career path. To build off the previous example, if you aspire to be a software engineer, you can talk about personal ethics that relate to cyber security or the hard work required to get to your desired goal. 

3. Determine your influences. 

What influences the decisions you make? This is an essential step in determining your code of ethics because every choice you make is influenced by internal and external factors. One factor that affects everyone is personal traits. Your personality plays a crucial role in the decisions you make and how you carry yourself with others. Another factor is the people in your life who have helped in shaping who you are today. A third example is momentous events. Everyone experiences wonderful, pivotal moments in their life, as well as tragic and traumatic moments. All these factors play a role in your personal ethics, and they should be included in your personal ethics statement. 

4. Identify your beliefs and practices. 

This step is about writing down examples of how you move through the world and the core beliefs you live by. Compelling stories elicit emotional reactions from your audience and prove that you put your personal ethics into daily practice. Examples are essential to creating a strong personal ethics statement. 

5. Name your “why.”  

Why did you choose the ethical principles that you did? Confidently answering this question and providing details is essential to the authenticity of the statement. Decide why your personal ethics are important to you, how your life experiences brought you to those ethics, and how you’ll continue to keep them at the center of your decisions going forward. This step is important to making sure your audience walks away with a clear understanding of what ethical standards are important to you and why. 

What Should I Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Your personal ethics statement should consist of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.  

Start your personal ethics statement with a one- to two-paragraph introduction. Use the introduction to talk about the life experiences that helped form your ethical background. Maybe you had a major injury in your childhood that resulted in lifelong ability differences, and this made you an advocate for accessibility. Find a personal story that will engage your reader and provide a foundation for your statement.

In the body of your personal ethics statement—about two or three paragraphs—you should list each of the ethical principles that are central in your life. This is your opportunity to make sure the reader knows your core beliefs. If you have a personal mantra, include it here. In this section, true life examples are your friend.

What Should I not Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Since a personal ethics statement is a deeply personal piece of writing, it’s important to be honest and authentic. The last thing you want to do is include fake life experiences just to make a point. This also isn’t an opportunity to profess all your life’s mistakes. You are human and your personal ethics statement should reflect that, but in a positive and inspiring light.  

How to Conclude

Every personal ethics statement should have a strong conclusion. Sum it all up in a final paragraph where you explain how your core values make you a great person to have in a professional organization or an excellent candidate for an academic program.

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15 Best Integrity Examples

Integrity is the trait of sticking to your ethics and moral principles at all times. Examples of a person with integrity include someone who keeps their promises, takes personal responsibility for their actions, treats others with respect at all times, and follows the rules.

When you apply for a job, you’re often asked to show an example of how you have integrity in your application letter. The following integrity examples can help you think up ways you might have shown personal integrity in your life.

• Examples of Integrity

1. Keeping Promises

A person who keeps promises is showing that they stand by their morals and ethics. If they didn’t keep the promise, they would show they do not have the trustworthy, honest, committed , and dependable characteristics that you need in a friend or reliable colleague. You’d probably not confide in them again!

2. Keeping Secrets

Keeping secrets is an ideal way to demonstrate your integrity to people who confide in you. By demonstrating that you can keep a secret, people will develop greater trust in you and believe that you have moral fiber. In a job application, for example, you could talk about how you have consistently shown your ability to be trusted with sensitive company data.

3. Not Letting Someone Else Take the Blame

Everyone with a sibling remembers a time in their childhood when their brother or sister got blamed when it was really your own fault. As an adult, you should have the integrity and moral character to step up and admit fault to protect innocent people from getting into trouble for something you did.

Related: 27 Examples of Morals

4. Not Gossiping

Gossips are people who share knowledge about people that might be embarrassing to the person being talked about. An example might be talking about a relationship break-up behind someone’s back. They might not want you to talk about it because it’s upsetting to them!

If you gossip, people will see you as someone who doesn’t act with integrity. You are saying hurtful things.

In the workplace, a gossip might not get a promotion because they’re seen as being untrustworthy with sensitive information.

5. Doing the Right thing without Expecting a Reward

A great proactive way to show your integrity to others is to do the right thing, even when you don’t expect a reward. This might mean giving money back to the cashier when they give you too much change or helping out a friend by paying for their meal.

When you do this, you show that you’re a moral person. You’re doing things not for the social status or expecting to get something for yourself. Instead, you’re acting out of a sense of universal ethics.

6. Paying your Taxes

A person with integrity will make sure that they pay their taxes because they know it’s the right thing to do. They know that the rules of fairness mean they have to contribute money into the pot in order to get the roads, firefighters and other services that they rely upon.

7. Being Polite even when someone is Rude to You

A person who keeps their calm and is polite to rude people does it out of integrity. They are being polite because they hold themselves to high standards and a high moral character. By not losing your cool and remembering your manners, you’re showing that you have high self-standards.

8. Telling the Truth

As children, we used to tell lies whenever we thought we could use them to get our own way. Then, in our teenage and early adult years, we developed the moral codes in our minds that we needed to be more honest when under pressure. We learned that telling the truth even when it doesn’t benefit us is the right thing to do because it’s consistent with a universal moral code that we think everyone should follow.

9. Admitting you Made a Mistake

In sports, you often see sports starts hiding their mistakes to advance their games. For example, in baseball a catcher might drop a ball but stand up and pretend they caught it to the umpire. This does not show integrity!

The sports star with integrity would admit they dropped the ball and carry on with the game. This is because they believe in the spirit of sports: competing on your merits and playing within the rules.

A sports star who admits their mistakes might not be popular at that very moment, but children watching at home will see someone who is an excellent role model for how we want people to behave in life.

10. Working Hard at School or Work

Some people come to school and just play around all day. They don’t pay attention to their teacher or care about their learning. These people are showing poor integrity. They aren’t demonstrating respect for their teacher or the other students around them.

Similarly, at work, there is always that person who cuts corners and plays on their phone when they should be paying attention. These people don’t respect the fact they’re being paid to work, not play. A boss will see this person as having poor work ethic and low trustworthiness.

11. Not Cheating in a Test

Sometimes, everyone will get the chance to cheat. It might be because the teacher has left the classroom so you can quickly search for the answer online, for example.

But it is this moment where we can see who has integrity and who doesn’t. The person who cheats on the test is demonstrating low levels of integrity. They are showing that they will do the wrong and untrustworthy thing if they think they can get away with it.

12. Giving Credit where Credit is Due

This one is common when we see leaders with integrity. They are people who actively go up to others and say “You did a great job. You deserve to be congratulated.”

We can use the example of Lewis and Clark, the pioneers who went on an early European expedition across North America. These two got a lot of credit for their hard work, despite the fact most of the praise should have gone to their native American guide, Sacagawea . A person with integrity should have at every opportunity spoken about Sacagawea’s important contribution to the mission rather than taking all the credit themselves.

13. Apologizing for your Mistakes

When children do the wrong thing, we often ask them to apologize for their mistakes. We encourage them to calm down and help them realize why what they did was wrong.

But we often see adults refusing to apologize for their mistakes. Sometimes they will flat-out refuse to even admit they made a mistake when they clearly did.

But a person who apologizes for their mistakes is a person with integrity. They have the strength to acknowledge they can improve and the honesty to admit it.

14. Following the Spirit of the Rules

Sometimes you can act without integrity while still following the rules. This often happens when people engage in tax evasion.

The key idea of taxation is that everyone pays their fair share so the roads get built and the fireman comes to put out your house.

But some people choose to hide their money in offshore accounts and tax havens. These people pay less tax than the rest of us because they have clever accountants. While this isn’t illegal, some people also might also consider it unethical.

The people avoiding taxes are getting all the benefits of public services but aren’t paying into the funds that pay for all those services. They are avoiding their responsibilities to society, which isn’t something someone with integrity does.

15. Standing up for What’s Right (Even when it’s Tough)

A person with integrity will always stand up for justice. Even when the people around them are encouraging them to break the law or do the wrong thing, they will stand their ground with the knowledge that the right and honorable thing must be done.

We have role models throughout history who have shown us this. Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. all stood up for justice despite being persecuted.

Why is it Important to have Integrity in the Workplace?

Integrity in the workplace means being a trustworthy, hard-working, and respectful employee.

These are important traits to have because it means that your colleagues and your boss will value your presence.

It could help you to get the next promotion (the boss will promote the person they think is the best and most mature employee) and help to create a better and more comfortable workplace for everyone.

Why is it Important to have Integrity at School?

Integrity in school means being a mature student who the teachers and your classmates can trust to do the right thing at all times.

A student with integrity will be trusted with more advanced tasks and activities, will be liked more by others, and will probably get good grades (because they will work hard and do their homework)!

Why is it Important to have integrity in your Personal Life?

While integrity at school and work are important, personal integrity is by far the most important of all the traits.

Personal integrity means respecting and honoring your parents, partner, and children. It means always doing the best by them and trying to live up to the values you were taught as a child.

Your integrity will help you in life. You will be more liked, have more friends, and get into far less arguments with loved ones!

Who are some Examples of Leaders with Integrity?

Many people who act with integrity are punished for doing so. They are harmed for standing up for their morals and principles. Below are a few:

• Nelson Mandela – Nelson Mandela went to prison because he stood up for equal rights in his country. He was widely considered to be a political prisoner because of his moral stance.
• Rosa Parks – Rosa Parks kept her seat on a segregated bus despite knowing it would lead her to prison. Why did she do this? Because she believed it was the right thing to do . She stood by her moral convictions no matter the consequences.
• Alexander the Great – Legend says that Alexander the Great always led from the front when he took his troops into battle. He never asked other people to do things he wasn’t willing to do himself.

What’s the Difference between Honesty and Integrity?

Integrity and honesty are regularly confused. Being honest is part of integrity, but integrity is far more than that.

To have integrity means to not only be honest but also be guided by moral principles. You stand up for the right thing (even when it’s hard), you are polite, and you speak up when you think justice should be done.

Take, for example, gossiping. An honest person could also be a gossip (so long as what they’re gossiping about is true). But a person with integrity does not gossip because they are guided by their moral character, which says gossiping is wrong.

Related Required Skills For Students And Employees

Here are some other skills you might need to be able to demonstrate as a successful employee or college student:

• Examples of Honesty
• Examples of Talents
• Proactive Examples
• Adaptable Examples
• Types of Skills
• Skills for Teachers
• Soft Skills for Teachers
• Examples of Patience
• Morals Examples
• Persistence Examples
• Passionate Examples

Integrity is one of the most important traits you can develop in life. It is a trait that leaders and wise people need. But it’s also a trait that will get you a lot of respect from the people around you and may even make you a lot of friends! The true sign of a person with integrity is someone who does the moral thing even when it’s hard. Examples include apologizing when you’re wrong, choosing not to cheat, and choosing not to gossip.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 10 Elaborative Rehearsal Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Maintenance Rehearsal - Definition & Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Piaget vs Vygotsky: Similarities and Differences
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 10 Conditioned Response Examples

1 thought on “15 Best Integrity Examples”

Dr. Drew, thanks for your systematic article. I have combined some points and revised their sequences. Hope you like these revisions. 1. Follow the spirit of the rules 2. Do the right things without expecting a reward 3. Stand up for what’s right even when it’s tough 4. Keep promises & secrets 5. Admit and apologize for the mistakes you made 6. Tell the truth, not let others take the blame 7. Work hard at school, not cheat on tests 8. Work hard at work, and pay taxes 9. Give credit where credit is due

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Stepping Stones to FI

September 1, 2019 ·

The Power of Personal Integrity: How To Lead Your Best Life

Goal Setting · Goal Setting Basics

Integrity is the seed for achievement. It is the principle that never fails. – Earl Nightingale 

What if you were able to not only achieve every goal you set your mind to , you were able to obliterate them and achieve success in a fraction of the time you expect? 

What if you were able to live your very best life? Be the very best version of yourself? 

How might your life be different? Would you be working the same job or would you switch to a new career that pays more and provides satisfaction and fulfillment? Would you finally pay off that debt, save more money and start building your net worth? Would your family and relationships thrive? Would you finally make it through that 30-days without sugar challenge?  

And how might your life change if you realized that all of this isn’t that hard ? You really can achieve all of your goals in a fraction of the time. You can live the life you want. 

All it really comes down to is self integrity . 

After all, you know it’s important to be honest and keep your word in all areas of life, with your family and loved ones, as well as in your career. But what about with yourself? 

I would argue that this is the most important, and often most overlooked, form of integrity. With personal integrity you can live a more meaningful life, true to yourself. 

With personal integrity, when you tell yourself you are going to do something, no matter how big or small , you follow through and do it. Which means, when you set a goal, you follow through and achieve it.  

Personal integrity is the key to achieving the life you want to live. 

In this post I’ll review what personal integrity is, why it is so important to achieve, and finally, some ways to develop and practice it.

What is personal integrity?

According to dictionary.com, integrity is the “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” Merriam Webster even adds that “integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge”. 

In other words, integrity is the stuff of superheroes and famous legends like Abraham Lincoln,   Rosa Parks and Gandhi. 

Which implies that to live your life with integrity requires saintly morals and perhaps even sense of purpose bigger than oneself. And that’s just too much to live up to. 

So we sprinkle integrity throughout our daily lives and attempt to adhere to a set of moral principles and personal values. This encompasses all areas of life, making us better employees, friends, parents and spouses. We’ve got people to please after all!

So it’s fairly clear that integrity makes us better citizens. Maybe even better role models if you work at it. But that’s all about how your actions affect others. 

What about how your actions affect yourself? 

It might be a pretty big ask to transform into a modern day Gandhi, but how might your life change if you lived a life of personal integrity? A life where you are “trustworthy” and “incapable of being false” to yourself ? 

Personal integrity is like the smaller, overlooked underdog component of integrity. It’s the Cinderella of integrity. An overlooked and mistreated step-child that’s actually about to transform you into a sovereign power to be reckoned with. 

But if that visual isn’t enough, here are some additional ways to define personal integrity:   

Save this article for later by adding it to your favorite Pinterest board!

Be honest with yourself

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people. -Spencer Johnson

Honesty is not telling a lie, right? Well, it can be quite a bit more than that. 

It takes extra effort to engage in self-reflection in order to decipher what you are feeling and why you are behaving or reacting a certain way. 

Being honest with yourself is having the strength to recognize the real reason behind why you aren’t making progress . It’s foregoing confirmation bias and honestly accepting that the real reason you aren’t losing weight is because you are still overeating, not because your genetics are working against you.  

Personal integrity is being honest enough with yourself that you can ditch the excuses and accept your reality. 

Accept your limitations

We all have certain strengths. So naturally, we also come with a host of weaknesses. It takes strength of character and personal integrity to accept our limitations. 

As an example, within my society organization for my profession, I was placed into a leadership role and have the responsibility to recruit volunteers and organize new committees. This isn’t something I have experience with. And apparently, this isn’t something I have a strong interest in. The result is that nothing has happened over the last two years. 

Sure, I had a grand vision of what could be. However, it’s time to accept that this is personal limitation for me. I can hide from it and hope that no one notices that progress isn’t being made, or I can accept that I’m not ideal for this position and either find appropriate training and mentoring, or delegate the task to someone better suited. 

In all honesty, I’m downright embarrassed by my lack of progress. It’s much easier to ignore the issue and wait until the end of my service and hope that the next person in line will do a better job. 

Or, I can accept my personal limitations and brainstorm how to overcome them. 

Follow through on your word

What is the single best gift that you can give to yourself? 

Give yourself the gift of follow through. If you make a promise to yourself, keep it.  

What might you have accomplished by now if every time you told yourself you would do  something, you actually followed through with it? How many goals would you have crushed by now? 

When you tell yourself you will do something, you need to find the inner strength to actually do it. 

Why is personal integrity important?

So we’ve reviewed what personal integrity is. And even hinted at what you can gain by practicing it. But is it really that important? Here are three reasons why personal integrity will help you. 

Ability to follow through on your goals

If you’re able to be honest with yourself about what it takes to achieve your goals and use self-reflection to adjust your actions, and you follow through on your word, what’s to stop you from achieving your goals? Nothing! 

Develop self awareness and confidence to achieve big goals

Again, this ties in the ability to self-reflect and stay true to your personal commitments. As you practice self integrity and start making progress, you gain the experience and confidence to keep going. One small success will lead to another, larger success. Pretty soon, you’re ready to take on bigger goals. 

When things don’t work out, using personal integrity will also help you understand why, stay honest with yourself and your limitations, and find a way to make adjustments to keep going. Once you develop this skill, giving up is unnecessary. If you want to achieve that goal, you will.

Live a life of meaning and purpose

This is my favorite reason of all to practice personal integrity. 

As you develop your personal integrity, you become a stronger individual. You become capable of achieving what you put your mind to. 

You may start out with personal goals like paying off debt or losing weight. But once you finally achieve these goals, and learn how to tackle even bigger goals, a whole new world of opportunity becomes available. 

If you don’t love the life you live right now, you know you can change it. That is very empowering. Change is difficult and scary. But when you know you can achieve the things you put your mind to, you grow as an individual and start striving for more. That need for more brings meaning and purpose to your life, and even better, the lives of others. 

11 ways to develop personal integrity

Step one is to be truly honest with yourself. Are you really putting in the effort necessary to achieve your goals? 

If you feel like you are stuck and you aren’t making progress, or feel that progress is just too slow, you probably aren’t really putting in the full effort necessary. 

Ask yourself: “Am I really putting in my best effort? Is there something more I need to do?”

Then be really honest about that answer. 

Keep in mind that you aren’t accepting defeat or failure. If you aren’t putting in the full effort, why is this? Is it not your skill set? Did you set an unrealistic goal? Do you need more outside support or motivation? 

Once you accept the honest answer to these questions, you can empower yourself to make small changes that will finally drive progress. 

Stay true to your word

If you have that inner conversation with yourself that today is the day that you give up sugar for a week, or start walking 10,000 steps every day, or simply won’t spend a single penny, do yourself the favor of staying true to your word. 

Even if no one else knows about the commitment you made to yourself. 

Give yourself that precious gift of follow through. In return, you develop personal integrity and actually achieve the goals you set for yourself. 

Write a personal mission statement

If you feel like you are coasting through life without any particular direction, it may be beneficial to write your own personal mission statement.

Think about the principles you wish to lead your life by. Do you want to contribute to a cause? Teach and mentor others? Single handedly take on global warming? Maybe you just want to be an amazing and supportive partner and raise your children to be strong and confident adults. 

Whatever is important to you and provides purpose, write it down. Turn it into a statement by which all decisions you make and goals you set will work towards fulfilling your personal mission statement. 

Even better, use this statement along with your long term 10-year goals to build the life you want to live.

Strive for personal development

I have to admit, I love a good personal development book. There is just so much to learn from other people! I can’t be great at everything, but I can certainly learn from someone that’s great at their one thing . 

Sometimes I get so excited about a new skill that I’m learning that I tell anyone and everyone about it. And then I’m surprised that my conversation is met with disdain! All I can think is “but this is a super cool technique I can use to be better at crushing my goals!” and all the other person seems to think is “I’m already awesome and you don’t need to teach me how to be better”. 

Sorry to break it to you but we all can strive to be better people. We can learn to treat ourselves better, be better partners, parents, sons or daughters, workers and citizens. Most people don’t bat an eye at the thought of taking a class to learn how to speak another language or cook an amazing meal. But the thought of reading a book on communicating better with your partner is overlooked and viewed as an admission of failure to communicate in the first place. 

If you strive to learn a new skill, you are not admitting failure! You are simply honing a new skill. 

And becoming a better person. 

Sure, it takes time. And effort. Start small by reviewing what you like, and what you don’t like, about yourself and your life and then think about ways you can make a small improvement. Add these to your goals and work on them daily. 

Think before you commit

If you’ve read this far and feel overwhelmed by all the things you have to do to develop your personal integrity and change into this new and improved individual, this step will help!

Think long and hard before you make a commitment to yourself. Before telling yourself that you’re going to do a 30 day no-spend challenge, be sure you don’t have any unexpected expenses coming up! Or if you agree to give up sugar for a month, be sure someone isn’t throwing you a big birthday party tomorrow and expecting you to appreciate your favorite cake. 

Before you commit to something, Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this a reasonable commitment?
• Do I have time to fulfill this commitment?
• Do I have the skills, support and resources to follow through?
• Is this really important enough that I will move heaven and earth to follow through on?

If you encounter a lot of inner opposition to these questions, break your goal down into something smaller and more manageable so that you can actually follow through. 

Learn to say no

Sadly, you can’t do it all. Don’t even pretend you can. 

Every day we have to prioritize goals and tasks. Protect your time and learn to prioritize your personal commitments. Learn how to say no to everything that isn’t essential. It doesn’t have to be a permanent “no”, just a “no for now”. 

You may even find that you can minimize overwhelm and be more productive in all areas of life once you learn how to prioritize your top tasks, protect your time and say no to everything else. 

Surround yourself with role models

If you want to soar with the eagles, don’t slum it with the ducks.

No, that isn’t an official motivational quote. I did hear it on a podcast at some point though. Regardless of who said it or how, the point is clear. Surround yourself with people you want to be. 

If you want to be successful and rich, start networking with successful business owners and start learning from them. But if you continue hanging out with friends that don’t motivate you to do better and be more, you won’t actually be motivated to make progress. You’ll continue to stay a duck.  

Reflect on your growth

As you make progress, take a moment to look back and see how far you’ve come. 

This is one step I struggle with the most. My personal goal is financial independence. As a widowed single mom that started with nothing, I have made so much progress over the years. Every single time I feel overwhelmed, that I’m not making progress fast enough or that I’ve somehow failed because I’m still working away at my goal, I remind myself of just how far I have come. 

Acknowledge each success and be proud of your accomplishments. 

This can be very motivating and provides reassurance that you will eventually get where you want to be.

Reflect on your failures

Admitting one’s own faults is the first step to changing them, and it is a demonstration of true bravery and integrity. – Philip Johnson 

You may have noticed by now that many of these steps intertwine together. Being honest with yourself and being open to self-reflection opens the door to accepting your weaknesses. But that’s okay! 

Recognizing a weakness, or even a failure, is an opportunity to learn, make adjustments, and strive to change and become better. This adds to your personal development and only makes you stronger. 

Seek counseling when needed 

Recognizing a failure does not make you a failure. While the process of developing personal integrity makes you stronger overall, you are likely to encounter emotional roadblocks along the journey. 

Allow yourself the grace to address larger personal fears and emotional challenges that prevent you from making progress. Seek support, be it from friends, family, your church or professional counseling. Again, this is in no way an admission of fault or failure, it is accepting help where needed so that you can be the very best version of you. 

Research demonstrates a clear relationship between volunteering and level of self-reported happiness, regardless of socio-economic background. 

Giving back helps provide the purpose and value in life that makes you feel connected and happy. This in turn builds upon personal integrity and enables you to embrace challenges, achieve your personal goals and live your best life. 

How to maintain personal integrity

Developing personal integrity is a lifelong pursuit. It doesn’t happen overnight and it isn’t a trait that you either have or you don’t. Being human, mistakes happen and we fail from time to time. The amazing thing about personal development is that mistakes are learning opportunities and failures make you stronger. 

As you develop your personal integrity skills and become better and setting and achieving the goals you set for yourself, it will become easier to maintain those qualities. However, there are a few things you can do to keep up the momentum and progress.

Be consistent

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not. – Oprah Winfrey

Even if no one sees or knows the effort you put behind your actions, be consistent. 

There will likely be so many times that you just want to quit and go back to doing what is easy. It could be that no one seems to know what you are doing and you don’t feel supported or acknowledged. Or, you just want to take a break and go back to Netflix binging. Perhaps worse, you could be feeling the high of success and not feel it necessary to keep plodding on with another goal. 

Just like a tough workout at the gym, real progress is made when you’re exhausted and just want to quit, but you keep pushing through anyway. So just keep going. Keep pushing to be the best version of you and consistently strive for progress. 

Keep a scorecard

When players are keeping score, you hear more running, scuffing and frenzy because the team is playing with intent . There is more meaning, drive and effort behind every single move. 

This applies to your own efforts as you go through life. As you make personal commitments and goals for yourself, track your progress in order to stay motivated and consistent. Better yet, make it a game with a score. You become more intentional in your actions and driven to succeed. 

What does a scorecard look like? It could be as simple and crossing off days on the calendar every time you complete your daily tasks. When that calendar is posted on the refrigerator and everyone in the house can see whether you followed through on your tasks or not, you have more incentive to consistently cross those days off. Or, it could be a spreadsheet with a chart that tracks your progress. 

The key is that your scorecard is easy to see and easy to use. And you have to know, with one glance, whether you are winning or losing. 

Putting it all together

Integrity is the ingredient that will enable you to forge rapidly ahead on the highway that leads to success. It advertises you as being an individual who will always come through. Whatever you say you will do, do it even if you have to move heaven and earth. – Mary Kay 

Personal integrity is that magical skill that will enable you to achieve your goals and live your best life. It is the ability to be honest with yourself, accept your limitations and follow through on your word, no matter what. 

With personal integrity, what’s to stop you from living your dream? 

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The Personal Integrity Statement [1]  is a private pledge to be retained by the person making the pledge.

Download ,  print  and  sign  the pledge.

I acknowledge that my career and my life must have a purpose greater than serving myself. My goal will be to serve the greater good by bringing together people and resources to create value that no single individual can build alone. Therefore I will seek a course that enhances the value I and others can create for society over the long term. As I reconcile the interests of different constituencies, I will face difficult choices.

Therefore I promise:

• I will act with utmost integrity and pursue my work in an honest and ethical manner.
• I will obey the letter and spirit of the law.
• I will take responsibility for my actions and consider the effects on others.
• I will strive to create a sustainable economic and social environment.
• I will be accountable to myself and to my peers for living by this oath.

This oath I make freely, and upon my honor.

Signature________________________________________

Date____________________________________________

1. Adapted from the MBA Oath taken by students at Harvard University.

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Integrity in the Workplace (What It Is & Why It’s Important)

A recent Global Integrity Survey from EY reported that 97% of respondents agree that integrity is a vital foundation for any corporation (Gordon, 2022).

Despite the sweeping agreement that integrity offers significant value to organizations, EY highlights a widening gap between awareness of integrity’s role in business operations and diminishing standards of conduct (Gordon, 2022).

As such, organizations must be proactive in creating a culture where integrity can take precedent.

Read on to see what integrity in the workplace looks like, the benefits of being a leader of integrity, and practical pathways to becoming more consistent.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Leadership Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or others adopt positive leadership practices and help organizations thrive.

This Article Contains

What is the meaning of integrity, understanding integrity in the workplace, 2 examples of moral virtues in the office, leading by example: integrity in leadership, how to promote a culture of workplace integrity, ways in which integrity at work can promote wellbeing, worksheets from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

What does it mean to have integrity? According to Peterson and Seligman (2004), integrity is a character strength involving honesty, morality, and trustworthiness.

A key feature of individuals with integrity is their ability for consistency and self-concordance — that is, alignment between their values and behaviors.

Integrity in the workplace encompasses a range of qualities and behaviors that reflect honesty, ethics, and consistency in work-based actions.

Importantly, integrity can occur at an individual level (i.e., leaders and employees can align their words and deeds; Simons, 2002) and at the organizational level (i.e., corporations can be committed to fair governance and sustainable, ethical behaviors that give back to society; Gordon, 2022).

Within the workplace, integrity can play out in a number of ways on both the individual and organizational level.

At the individual level, this may look like:

• Being honest and trustworthy
• Adhering to company values
• Being consistent
• Being professional
• Making decisions ethically

At the organizational level, this may look like:

• Building a culture of integrity through leadership
• Making ethical business decisions
• Having clear corporate social responsibility commitments
• Adhering to regulations and laws
• Operating with fair and transparent governance

In short, workplace integrity can operate on two levels: the personal integrity of each employee and the integrity of the corporation. However, there is one key behavior that characterizes both: ethical behavior that serves to uphold moral principles.

Corporations are failing to engage in integrity in a meaningful way, and as such, mismatches between senior management’s perceptions of integrity and those of the employees are widening (Gordon, 2022).

It is therefore vital to start with the basics: understanding the myriad benefits that a culture of integrity provides to an organization.

4 Reasons it is important

Integrity in the workplace is crucial for several reasons.

1. Positive work environment

A workplace culture based on integrity creates an environment that breeds positivity and support, and is one where employees feel able to work ethically and to raise concerns without fear of retaliation (Gordon, 2022).

The behavioral integrity of leaders is also directly correlated to increased organizational commitment, employee retention , and job satisfaction (Davis & Rothstein, 2006).

2. Ethical conduct and risk management

Integrity helps prevent unethical behavior such as fraud, corruption, and misconduct. Indeed, fraud and risk assessments are critical corporate integrity action points (Gordon, 2022).

When employees uphold moral principles and adhere to ethical standards, they contribute to the culture of integrity and compliance within the organization.

3. Credibility, reputation, and brand image

Integrity builds trust and confidence in coworkers, clients, and stakeholders (Engelbrecht et al., 2017).

Organizations with a reputation for integrity are also more attractive to customers, investors, and potential employees. Maintaining integrity enhances the organization’s brand image and credibility in the marketplace and reduces the severe reputational damage that can follow unethical behavior (Cialdini et al., 2004).

4. Long-term success

Organizations that prioritize integrity are more likely to achieve long-term success and sustainability (Nink & Robison, 2020). By building trust with stakeholders, maintaining ethical standards, and fostering a positive work environment, they create a solid foundation for growth and resilience.

When organizations thoughtfully take the time to plan their workplace integrity strategy, they are able to reap numerous benefits and simultaneously avoid some serious pitfalls that can have disastrous implications for brand reputation.

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Below, we outline memorable real-world examples of integrity in the work domain. What you may notice is that all of them involve a leader with unwavering integrity.

1. Ben & Jerry’s social justice campaigns

In June 2020, amid widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality following the killing of George Floyd, Ben & Jerry’s (n.d.) released a statement addressing systemic racism and calling for concrete action to dismantle it. The statement was titled “Silence Is NOT an Option.” In the statement, Ben & Jerry’s expressed solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and pledged to support efforts to combat racial injustice.

Ben & Jerry’s decision to speak out against racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrated incredible organizational integrity. The company aligned its actions with its values despite enormous risks to the brand, such as backlash from consumers or political scrutiny. The company chose to prioritize its principles of justice and equity.

In the years following this example, Ben & Jerry’s has continued to be vocal in its support of human rights and social justice issues.

2. Patagonia’s environmental stewardship

Patagonia, an outdoor clothing and gear company, is well known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.

One notable example of its organizational integrity occurred in September 2022, when Patagonia founder and CEO Yvon Chouinard announced he was donating the entirety of Patagonia’s future profits to climate charities (Gelles, 2022).

Chouinard has been vocal about the urgency of addressing climate change and the importance of businesses taking responsibility for their environmental impact. This decision received widespread media coverage and praise from environmental activists, consumers, and stakeholders.

It exemplifies how integrity in the workplace can be manifested through concrete actions that align with organizational values and contribute to broader social and environmental goals.

These examples demonstrate that it is possible for organizations and leaders to do the right thing and boost their positive reputation by doing so. Yet there are as many, if not more, examples of corporations and leaders behaving badly. To combat this, companies must look to their leaders.

It is likely not surprising to hear that leaders are the vanguards of organizational culture and brand image. Therefore, leaders who live by their values and champion honesty and ethical decision-making shepherd organizations toward success.

Below, we outline the key attributes of leaders with integrity (Nink & Robinson, 2020).

1. Honesty and transparency

Leaders with integrity are honest and transparent in their communication . They share information openly, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. They do not withhold or distort information for personal gain, and they can be trusted to make the right decisions.

2. Consistency, reliability, and accountability

When leaders are consistent with their words and actions and align their behavior with their values and principles, they demonstrate reliability.

Leaders with integrity are unwaveringly reliable. They fulfill their commitments and take responsibility for their actions and decisions. This includes being accountable for mistakes and errors, learning from them, and taking steps to rectify any negative consequences.

3. Ethical decision-making

Leaders with integrity evaluate situations and make decisions based on ethical principles, even when it might be easier to act otherwise or when facing pressure to compromise. They consider the impact of their decisions on stakeholders and society as a whole.

4. Courage and conviction

Integrity requires courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity.

Leaders with integrity have the courage to speak truth to power, uphold their principles, and defend the interests of their team and organization.

5. Respect, professionalism, and empathy

Trustworthy leaders show respect, courtesy, and empathy toward others, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences.

They listen actively, seeking to understand different viewpoints, while treating individuals with dignity and compassion. Leaders with integrity foster a positive work environment by valuing diversity, promoting inclusivity , and working tirelessly to uphold principles of equity and justice in their interactions and decision-making.

6. Leading by example

Leaders with integrity lead by example, embodying the values and behaviors they expect from others. Their actions inspire trust , credibility, and excellence in their team members, stakeholders, and the broader community.

7. Adherence to company values

Beyond self-concordance, leaders also actively align their actions with the values and mission of the organization, even when faced with difficult decisions or conflicting interests.

Overall, integrity in leadership is about being authentic, ethical, and principled in one’s conduct, and this sets the tone for organizational culture and shapes the direction and impact of the entire organization.

It is not just leaders who should bear the burden of generating and maintaining workplace integrity, though their role is integral.

All employees and the organization as a whole must work together to build a culture of integrity (Kayes et al., 2007).

Below, we look at several concrete approaches that can elevate any organization’s integrity approach.

Psychological safety

Trust is one of the foundational pillars of workplace integrity. Not surprising, trust also provides the foundation for psychological safety .

As such, one way leaders can seek to build integrity is to make the work environment safe for their employees. Psychological safety in the workplace involves leaders actively driving out fear from their team members by promoting open feedback , focusing on team relationships, rewarding failure, and showing humility.

Authenticity

To be a person of integrity involves a degree of authenticity , and to be authentic requires self-awareness of your values and beliefs . The two are inherently linked, such that authenticity can be thought of as the embodiment of an individual’s values.

According to Oyserman (2001, p. 16150), values are “priorities, internal compasses or springboards for action — moral imperatives.” So values themselves are not actions but rather guiding principles for action. Moreover, values are more than individual preferences; they are social contracts about what is right and good.

Authenticity can be further understood as the “unobstructed operation of one’s true or core self in one’s daily enterprises” (Goldman & Kernis, 2002, p. 2) and comprises four components (Kernis & Goldman, 2006):

• Self-awareness
• Unbiased processing of the self
• Self-concordant behavior
• Relational openness

To build authentic leaders, organizations could collaborate with their employees to shape company values that align with personal values and use 360-degree feedback to help build awareness.

Beyond these two specific pathways, organizations can also look to take a systematic and comprehensive approach to building integrity in the workplace by providing education and training on the “why” of integrity (the benefits) and the “why not” (the consequences for transgressions).

Integrity can further be assessed in performance metrics and built into leadership training programs. On a more systemic level, an organization’s processes and policies can be audited to focus more on ethical operating (Kayes et al., 2007).

If you’re looking for more information about authenticity, you may enjoy this TEDx talk by Herminia Ibarra on the authenticity paradox.

Earlier in the article, we outlined some of the reasons why integrity in the workplace is important. In this section, we expand on one of those reasons.

Below, we outline several ways integrity can have a positive influence on employee wellbeing.

1. Reduced stress and anxiety

In an environment where integrity is prioritized, employees experience less stress and anxiety related to ethical dilemmas or concerns about dishonesty and unfair treatment (Prottas, 2008).

When employees can rely on their colleagues and leaders to act with integrity, this reduces uncertainty and fosters a sense of psychological safety, contributing to better mental and emotional wellbeing.

2. Enhanced job satisfaction

Employees who work in an environment characterized by integrity are more likely to have greater job satisfaction and be more committed to their organization (Davis & Rothstein, 2006).

When employees trust that their organization operates with integrity and treats them fairly, employee engagement increases, leading to greater overall wellbeing.

3. Healthy relationships and collaboration

Integrity promotes healthy relationships among coworkers based on mutual respect, honesty, and trust.

Collaboration becomes more effective when built on a foundation of integrity, as employees can rely on each other to uphold shared values and work toward common goals (Edmondson, 2018).

Having positive interpersonal relationships contributes to a supportive work environment where employees feel valued, understood, and supported, enhancing their sense of belonging and wellbeing.

4. Organizational citizenship behaviors

Employees who perceive their organization as having integrity are more likely to engage in organizational citizenship behaviors, such as helping others, volunteering for extra tasks, and advocating for the organization (Dineen et al., 2006).

These behaviors contribute to a positive work environment and enhance employees’ wellbeing.

Taken together, the benefits to be gained from workplace integrity abound. Specifically, integrity promotes wellbeing by fostering trust, reducing stress, enhancing job satisfaction, facilitating healthy relationships, and fostering a positive organizational culture where employees can thrive.

17 Exercises To Build Positive Leaders

Use these 17 Positive Leadership Exercises [PDF] to help others inspire, motivate, and guide employees in ways that enrich workplace performance and satisfaction. Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

To further highlight the link between authenticity and integrity, below we outline worksheets and exercises that help leaders identify their values and lean into authentic behavior in the workplace.

One excellent way to help zone in on our authentic selves is to write a mission statement . In this worksheet, leaders are encouraged to identify what they stand for and what they plan to do.

To act with integrity relies largely on being able to uphold one’s values. In the core values worksheet, individuals are provided with an extensive list of values and invited to consider which values resonate with them.

Another important skill required in order to identify your values and core self is self-awareness. One exercise promoted to boost self-awareness is the Johari window .

Lastly, leaders may be interested in the following article on authentic leadership , which outlines the characteristic traits of authentic leaders along with exercises and training to help individuals foster an authentic leadership style .

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others develop positive leadership skills, check out this collection of 17 validated positive leadership exercises . Use them to equip leaders with the skills needed to cultivate a culture of positivity and resilience.

According to Nink and Robison (2020), as the world of work continues to shift in line with hastening technology, trust will become the ultimate brand attribute. Yet as it stands, only 40% of employees in the United Kingdom and 36% in the United States think their employer “would do what is right.”

This highlights a significant gap between expectations of workplace integrity and reality.

To address this gap, organizations must create a culture of integrity, where values are embodied throughout the hierarchy of the company and there is zero tolerance for noncompliance or transgressions (Kayes et al., 2007).

Leaders play a pivotal role in creating such an environment and could look toward developing their own skills of self-awareness, authenticity, and empathy.

But ultimately, integrity in the workplace is more than just a boon for businesses; it’s about building a brighter future where honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership pave the way for a stronger, more trustworthy society.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Leadership Exercises for free .

• Ben & Jerry’s. (n.d.). Silence is not an option . Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/media-center/dismantle-white-supremacy
• Cialdini, R. B., Petrova, P. K., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). The hidden costs of organizational dishonesty. MIT Sloan Management Review , 45 (3).
• Davis, A. L., & Rothstein, H. R. (2006). The effects of the perceived behavioral integrity of managers on employee attitudes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Business Ethics , 67 , 407–419.
• Dineen, B. R., Lewicki, R. J., & Tomlinson, E. C. (2006). Supervisory guidance and behavioral integrity: relationships with employee citizenship and deviant behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology , 91 (3), 622–635.
• Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth . John Wiley & Sons.
• Engelbrecht, A. S., Heine, G., & Mahembe, B. (2017). Integrity, ethical leadership, trust and work engagement. Leadership & Organization Development Journal , 38 (3), 368–379.
• Gelles, D. (2022, September 14). Billionaire no more: Patagonia founder gives away the company. The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/14/climate/patagonia-climate-philanthropy-chouinard.html
• Goldman, B. M., & Kernis, M. H. (2002). The role of authenticity in healthy psychological functioning and subjective well-being. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association , 5 (6), 18–20.
• Gordon, A. (2022, February 4). Tunnel vision or the bigger picture: How a focus on enhanced governance can help reimagine corporate integrity . EY. https://www.ey.com/en_gl/forensic-integrity-services/how-a-focus-on-governance-can-help-reimagine-corporate-integrity
• Kayes, D. C., Stirling, D., & Nielsen, T. M. (2007). Building organizational integrity. Business Horizons , 50 (1), 61–70.
• Kernis, M. H., & Goldman, B. M. (2006). A multicomponent conceptualization of authenticity: Theory and research. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology , 38 , 283–357.
• Nink, M., & Robison, J. (2020, December 14). Want a company with more integrity? Leaders set the tone . Gallup. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/327521/company-integrity-leaders-set-tone.aspx
• Oyserman, D. (2001). Values: psychological perspectives. In N. J. Smelser & P. B. Baltes (Eds.), International encyclopedia of the social & behavioral sciences (pp. 16150–16153). Elsevier.
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification (vol. 1). Oxford University Press.
• Prottas, D. J. (2008). Perceived behavioral integrity: Relationships with employee attitudes, well-being, and absenteeism. Journal of Business Ethics , 81 , 313–322.
• Simons, T. (2002). Behavioral integrity. Organization Science , 1 , 20–35.

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Why Integrity Is Never Easy

• Ron Ashkenas

Browse through the mission, vision, or value statements that corporations post on their websites, and you’ll notice that almost every company includes a statement about integrity. And if you Google the following examples, you’ll find that many companies use these stock phrases: “We combine integrity with excellence…” “We act with integrity in all we do.” […]

Browse through the mission, vision, or value statements that corporations post on their websites, and you’ll notice that almost every company includes a statement about integrity . And if you Google the following examples, you’ll find that many companies use these stock phrases:

• Ron Ashkenas is a coauthor of the Harvard Business Review Leader’s Handbook  and a Partner Emeritus at Schaffer Consulting . His previous books include The Boundaryless Organization , The GE Work-Out , and Simply Effective .

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Leadership and Perseverance

Integrity, Ethics, and Personal Values

Leadership, as I’ve mentioned before, is very fluid and susceptible to change.  As generations come and go the idea of leadership changes with them. In today’s society leaders need to be more adaptable and accept change where in the 50’s, leaders needed to be more dominant and mentally and physically tough.  Leaders now must accept change because society demands it, so their philosophy on leadership must change. They have to be fair in gender and sexuality or the may face persecution. In the 50’s if they didn’t express toughness, then they would be seen as weak.  Even my generation thinks differently than the one directly before us. We must be innovative, creative, open, and willing to embrace what the future holds.

The first personal value I thought of was adaptability.  Those who don’t adapt die in the social world. No matter what the situation is I must be prepared for it and I must show that I am capable of dealing with the issue at hand.  My life has been full of change and if I was incapable of adapting I would not be where I am today. One of the most important personal values to me is honesty. I do not care if what I hear will hurt my feelings or change my perception, I just want to know the truth.  I believe honesty is one of my foundation values and without it I would not be the person people are willing to go to with their problems. Another extremely important value is teamwork. I personally work better with a team and I thrive in environments where my view or idea is challenged.  It encourages me to think smarter and to improve on my ideas. Personal values are the foundation for a person’s integrity and ethics and I believe the personal values really dictate what type of leader the individual could be.

Integrity is a direct product of a person’s personal values.  When a person claims to have integrity they claim to have upstanding moral values, so if an individual’s personal values were selfishness or cynicism then they may experience a lack of integrity which would suggest that they are not fit to lead.  These people would also be deemed the worst of society. Now if a person expressed enthusiasm and honesty as their personal values then they would display integrity which would set them up to be good leaders. I would hope that if I was a follower to someone that they would demonstrate a strong integrity.  I would be wary to follow anyone who lacked integrity or I would refuse to follow them in general. If a leader is behaving badly then it shows the followers that they can do the same. Integrity is not only important for the leader but also for the group of people they are leading.

Finally, ethics is created by both integrity and personal values.  If an individual expresses bad personal values and a lack of integrity then they would have poor ethical rules.  They may consider stealing or not helping the elderly to be acceptable and these would be poor qualities for a leader.  If an individual had outstanding personal values and demonstrated strong integrity then they would most likely express strong ethical values that align with society’s rules.  Ethics are debated heavily in every situation and it is what drives most actions people take a part in. Our society deems murder unethical so only criminal participate in murder.  Going to volunteer at a hospital, though, is seemed as a good event to participate in. Science debates ethics constantly, and when ethics are jeopardized then the people involved are usually attacked by society.  Ethics are the driving force behind what we dictate to be good or bad for society and if a leader lacks personal ethics then they should not be a leader at all.

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Personal Ethics Statement Essay Example: Navigating Life with Integrity and Kindness

This personal ethics statement essay will outline the author’s core values and principles guiding their life choices and interactions. It will discuss the importance of integrity, kindness, responsibility, and respect in personal and professional contexts. The piece will illustrate how these ethical values influence decision-making, relationships, and the approach to challenges and opportunities. More free essay examples are accessible at PapersOwl about Personal Experience.

How it works

In the intricate tapestry of life, ethical principles serve as the guiding threads that weave together our actions, decisions, and relationships. A personal ethics statement is a testament to one’s moral compass, providing insight into the values and beliefs that shape individual choices. Personal ethics are the beacon that lights our path in the vast expanse of human existence. These are the unwritten rules, the silent vows we make to ourselves and others, shaping our decisions, behaviors, and interactions.

• 1 The Genesis of Personal Ethics
• 2 The Ripple Effect of Personal Ethics
• 3 The Evolving Nature of Personal Ethics
• 4 Conclusion

The Genesis of Personal Ethics

It’s fascinating to ponder where our ethics originate.

Are they the product of upbringing, experiences, cultural influences, or a combination of all these factors? Childhood plays a pivotal role in molding our ethical framework. The values instilled by family, the morals taught in school, and even the stories we heard as children converge to shape our understanding of right and wrong.

For instance, we share a toy with a sibling or apologize when bad teaches us fairness and accountability from a tender age. Society and cultural backgrounds, too, have a profound influence. Different cultures emphasize varied values – while some prioritize community and harmony, others value individualism and ambition. These societal values subtly seep into our psyche, guiding our actions and choices. While personal ethics are individualistic, they often resonate with universal moral principles acknowledged globally. Ethical tenets such as honesty, respect, and compassion are almost universally accepted. In a bustling metropolis or a remote village, directions find resonance, bridging language, culture, and tradition divides.

Yet, every individual adds a personal touch to universal ethics, tweaking them based on personal experiences, beliefs, and reflections. For example, while two people might value honesty, one might believe in absolute openness, while the other might prioritize kindness over brutal truth.

The Ripple Effect of Personal Ethics

One often overlooked aspect of personal ethics is its ripple effect in society. No matter how trivial it seems, each ethical choice sets a precedent. When individuals consistently act in alignment with their moral values, it creates an environment that encourages others to do the same. Moreover, our ethics shape our interactions in both personal and professional spheres, influencing relationships, work dynamics, and community engagements. By standing firm in our ethical beliefs, we inadvertently inspire others, creating a cascade of positive change. This shared commitment to values enriches communities, fostering trust, mutual respect, and cohesive bonds among its members. A personal ethics statement goes beyond a mere list of values; it delves into what makes an individual who they are, reflecting their profound convictions and the principles they hold dear. The philosophy of kindness has guided me since my earliest childhood memories. For me, compassion encompasses understanding, patience, and empathy. It’s not merely an act but a way of life, reflecting in every interaction, whether with a loved one or a stranger.

Moreover, integrity remains a cornerstone of my existence. Being true to oneself, honoring commitments, and standing up for what’s right, even in adversity, outlines my integrity contours. Values and principles gain true meaning when put into practice. Over the years, I’ve endeavored to imbue my actions with my cherished ethical principles. In an age where appearances often overshadow essence, authenticity has become a rare commodity. I strive to build trust and foster real connections by being genuine in my interactions. Life, in its infinite wisdom, offers myriad lessons. With humility as my guide, I constantly seek knowledge, valuing every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The Evolving Nature of Personal Ethics

As with all things in life, personal ethics aren’t static. It evolves, adapts, and matures as we journey through varied experiences. While my core principles of kindness and integrity have remained steadfast, other nuances of my ethics have been shaped by experiences. Encounters with diverse individuals, exposure to varied cultures, and navigating life’s challenges have refined and enriched my ethical palette. A well-defined personal ethics statement guides one’s choices and profoundly impacts professional decisions. In the professional realm, my ethics translate into honoring deadlines, respecting colleagues, and maintaining transparency in dealings.

Furthermore, principles guide me when faced with tough decisions, ensuring I remain faithful to my core values. On the personal front, my ethics play a pivotal role in nurturing relationships. By practicing active listening, showing empathy, and being there for loved ones, I aim to cultivate deep, meaningful connections.

In conclusion, a personal ethics statement mirrors one’s soul, capturing the essence of one’s moral being. It reflects our deepest convictions, guiding us through life’s challenges and decisions. Understanding, refining, and living by this statement serves as an anchor in tumultuous times and shapes our interactions with the world. By adhering to our ethical compass, we enrich our lives and inspire and influence others, fostering a ripple effect of integrity and kindness in the broader community. Embracing and upholding our ethics paves the way for a life with purpose and authenticity.

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Honesty And Integrity Character Reference: How To Write It Right!

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of writing a compelling character reference and provide customizable templates to get you started.

Key Takeaways: Purpose : Understand the importance of a character reference letter emphasizing honesty and integrity. Format : Learn the standard format, including introduction, body, and conclusion. Content : Tips on what to include, such as specific examples and personal experiences. Tone and Language : Guidance on maintaining a professional yet personal tone. Free Template : A ready-to-use template to simplify the process.

Such letters are often required for job applications, legal situations, or academic admissions, making your letter a crucial component of the person’s application.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: understanding the purpose.

• Context : Know why the letter is needed and tailor it to the specific situation.
• Importance : Emphasize the individual’s honesty and integrity, crucial traits for most positions and situations.

Step 2: Format and Structure

• Introduction : Introduce yourself and your relationship with the person.
• Body : Provide specific examples showcasing the individual’s honesty and integrity.
• Conclusion : Summarize your recommendation and offer to provide further information.

Table: Essential Components of the Letter

Step 3: Writing the Content

• Personalization : Customize the letter to reflect your genuine experience with the person.
• Real-Life Examples : Share anecdotes where the individual demonstrated honesty and integrity.

List of Content Ideas

• Instances of ethical decision-making.
• Times they displayed honesty in challenging situations.
• Their approach to resolving conflicts with integrity.

Step 4: Tone and Language

• Professional yet Personal : Maintain a balance between a professional tone and a personal touch.
• Clarity and Brevity : Be clear and concise; avoid unnecessary jargon or lengthy stories.

Template for Honesty and Integrity Character Reference Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Recipient’s Address] [City, State, Zip]

Trending Now: Find Out Why!

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Individual’s Name] who I have known for [Time Period] in my capacity as [Your Relationship/Position]. Throughout my time knowing them, I have consistently been impressed by their unwavering honesty and integrity.

One specific instance that stands out to me is [Describe an Incident]. This situation is a testament to [Individual’s Name]’s ethical character and commitment to honesty.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend [Individual’s Name] for any position or opportunity that requires someone of high moral character. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] for any further information.

[Your Name]

Conclusion:

A character reference letter focusing on honesty and integrity can significantly impact the recipient’s opportunities. By following these steps and using the provided template, you can effectively communicate the individual’s character strengths in a compelling and sincere manner.

• Personalize : Tailor the letter to the individual and the situation.
• Be Specific : Use concrete examples.
• Keep it Positive : Focus on positive traits and experiences.
• Proofread : Check for errors to maintain professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: what is the importance of honesty, integrity, and reliability in a professional reference.

Answer : Honesty, integrity, and reliability are crucial qualities that employers look for in their potential candidates. When it comes to a professional reference, these traits become even more significant. 

A reference that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and reliability provides a strong endorsement of an individual’s character and work ethic. It reassures the employer that the candidate can be trusted to act ethically, fulfill their responsibilities, and maintain a high standard of performance.

Q: How does honesty, integrity, and reliability impact an individual’s professional reputation?

Answer : Honesty, integrity, and reliability are pillars of a strong professional reputation. When individuals consistently demonstrate these qualities in their work and interactions, they earn the trust and respect of their colleagues, superiors, and clients. 

Being honest in communication and actions establishes credibility, while maintaining integrity fosters a sense of reliability and consistency. As a result, others view individuals with honesty, integrity, and reliability as dependable professionals with a strong moral compass.

Q: Can you provide an example of how to include honesty, integrity, and reliability in a professional reference?

Answer : Certainly! When providing a professional reference, you could say, “I am pleased to provide this reference for [Candidate’s Name]. Throughout our working relationship, [Candidate’s Name] has consistently demonstrated honesty, integrity, and reliability. 

Their commitment to ethical behavior, both in their personal conduct and professional decisions, is commendable. [Candidate’s Name] has consistently delivered high-quality work, meeting deadlines with precision and maintaining a strong work ethic. 

Their reliable nature and dedication to their responsibilities make them an asset to any team or organization.”

Q: How can a candidate showcase their honesty, integrity, and reliability in their job application?

Answer : Candidates can effectively showcase their honesty, integrity, and reliability in their job application by highlighting relevant experiences and achievements. 

They can provide specific examples of situations where they demonstrated ethical behavior, acted with integrity, and consistently delivered reliable results. 

Additionally, candidates can mention any instances where they received recognition or praise for their honesty, integrity, or reliability. 

It is essential to provide accurate information, present a consistent and well-organized application, and follow through on any commitments made during the hiring process to further demonstrate these qualities.

Q: What are some potential red flags related to honesty, integrity, and reliability in a reference?

Answer : While references should ideally highlight a candidate’s positive attributes, there are potential red flags that can arise regarding honesty, integrity, and reliability. 

These may include instances where the reference hesitates or provides vague responses when asked about the candidate’s trustworthiness or work ethic. Inconsistencies or contradictions in the reference’s account of the candidate’s behavior could also raise concerns. 

It is crucial to pay attention to any indications that suggest a lack of honesty, integrity, or reliability, as they may impact the candidate’s suitability for the position.

Q: How can employers assess a candidate’s honesty, integrity, and reliability during the hiring process?

Answer : Employers can employ various methods to assess a candidate’s honesty, integrity, and reliability during the hiring process. They can conduct thorough reference checks, reaching out to individuals who have worked closely with the candidate in the past. 

These references can shed light on the candidate’s work ethic, consistency, and adherence to ethical standards. Additionally, behavioral interviews and situational assessments can provide insight into how the candidate approaches ethical dilemmas and their reliability in meeting deadlines and commitments. 

Background checks and reviewing past performance evaluations can also contribute to the assessment of these qualities.

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Statement of Integrity and Code of Conduct

Purdue University has a tradition of ethical conduct spanning its history. As a land-grant institution, we demonstrate our responsiveness to our constituencies and extend to them access to our knowledge resources. We nurture relationships with other partners in education who support our vision or join us to foster common interests. We integrate our mission with our responsibilities. We contribute our knowledge resources impartially in serving our public purposes. As faculty, students, staff, and administrators, we are a community of dedicated learners, scholars, professionals, and practitioners — all contributing our talents to uphold our standards, and improve ourselves and the broader community in which we live and work. Our responsibilities and obligations toward the advancement of learning, discovery, and engagement in the University and in Indiana extend to our nation and the world. This statement of integrity is meant to provide an overarching declaration that informs specific policies and procedures regarding conduct, enforcement, and accountability. Such policies and procedures either exist in official University documents or will be developed as necessary.

At Purdue, integrity is indispensable to our mission. We act with honesty and adhere to the highest standards of moral and ethical values and principles through our personal and professional behavior. We demonstrate our understanding of these values and principles and uphold them in every action and decision. Trust and trustworthiness go hand in hand with how we conduct ourselves, as we sustain a culture that is based upon ethical conduct. We expect our actions to be consistent with our words, and our words to be consistent with our intentions. We accept our responsibilities, share leadership in a democratic spirit, and subject ourselves to the highest standards of public trust. We hold ourselves accountable for our words and our actions.

We champion freedom of expression. To ensure our integrity, we safeguard academic freedom, open inquiry, and debate in the best interests of education, enrichment, and our personal and professional development. We embrace human and intellectual diversity and inclusiveness. We uphold the highest standards of fairness, act as responsible citizens, respect equality and the rights of others, and treat all individuals with dignity.

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As members of the Purdue community, we demonstrate unyielding and uncompromised integrity in support of the highest standards of excellence for the University. As individuals, we all contribute to this Purdue standard of integrity as an exemplary model for all universities.

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The personal statement is one of the most important parts of many fellowship applications. These awards are competetive, so a strong personal statement will help you stand out. It is also a peculiar kind of essay. It involves a narrative style of writing that some people aren't used to. Others find it awkward to talk about themselves in such an open and forward way. The following resources can give you the know-how and confidence to produce an authentic and compelling personal statement.

A personal statement is an intellectual autobiography that illustrates the experiences, interests, and ambitions that define who you are. It introduces the formative experiences that shaped your intellectual and professional development. Think about key moments in your life that influenced your direction, led you to this point, and set you on your future path. This can include personal history, family background, intellectual influences, opportunities (educational, professional, and cultural) or lack of them, and the ways in which these experiences have affected you and your personal growth. 

The personal statement should also be persuasive , making a compelling case for yourself as the ideal candidate for the particular fellowship. Always keep the specific award you are applying to in mind and make sure to tailor your statement accordingly. Are they looking for particular qualities or criteria? How do you meet (or surpass) these expectations? How will this fellowship impact your future goals?

The key to a successful personal statement is telling an authentic narrative that convinces the selection committee that you are what they are looking for. 

Consider the Context

Many fellowship applications include a number of application components. You will need to consider how the personal statement fits within the larger application package. If there are additional written essays you are asked to submit, think about how the content in the personal statement will complement, rather than replicate, these materials. What you include in your personal statement will depend on what is covered elsewhere.

Some awards include a specific prompt or ask a set of guiding questions. Make sure your personal statement is tailored accordingly.

Be aware of the distinction between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. These two essays are similar, but statements of purpose focus more on your academic plans and goals. In a statement of purpose, you would discuss research experiences and interests, which faculty members you hope to work with in the future, and/or possible topics for a thesis or dissertation.

Show, Don't Tell

Stories are a critical element of a good personal statement. They bring the narrative to life and help the reader see the real you.

Include anecdotes and examples that show evidence of your qualities, interests, and experiences. For instance, rather than just saying, "I am a leader," recount a time when you exhibited leadership in a real-world context. When discussing your interest in an issue or field of study, describe an experience or two that led to key insights or new perspectives.

Do's and Don'ts

• Research the fellowship and/or program you are applying to.
• Write a coherent, well-structured essay. Frame it with a unifying metaphor or analogy. Start with an interesting lead--a story, anecdote, or description of a scene--and end it with a conclusion that refers back to the lead or completes the metaphor. 
• Be concise and to the point. Sometimes a short sentence is more effective than a long one.
• Revise the personal statement multiple times with the help of your advisors, mentors, friends, and the University Writing Center . Of course, the Office of Fellowships and Awards should also be one of your first stops if your personal statement is for a competitive fellowship.
• Read it out loud to yourself. If it doesn't sound like your natural voice, make some edits.
• Adhere to the expected page layout, format, and length. Unless otherwise indicated, default to Times New Roman font, 12-pt., 1-inch margins. Page limits vary. When in doubt, consult your fellowship advisors.
• Thoroughly proofread your personal statement. The easiest way to sink a fellowship application is to send a personal statement with spelling and grammatical errors.
• Don't list everything on your resume. 
• Avoid phrases like "I've always wanted to be," "The world we live in today," "My biggest passion," and other clichés. 
• Don't try to be funny. You might get the joke, but the selection committee might not.
• Don't sell yourself short. Avoid negative qualifiers such as, "Although I've only taken two years of French," or "Despite not having as many leadership opportunities as I would like." If you frame your experiences negatively, so will the selection committee.
• Avoid overly flowery prose and discipline-specific jargon. Keep it simple.

1. As you start to formulate your personal statement, answer these guiding questions : 

• Who are you? What defines you?
• What are the character traits that help to qualify you?
• Why did you choose your major or field of study? How have you nurtured and developed this interest?
• Who or what motivates you? Who or what do you care about?
• What is unique or different about you?
• What are your future goals?
• What have you accomplished that you are proud of?
• What do you hope to accomplish through this fellowship? What knowledge or skills do you hope to acquire?

2. Write down some stories :

• What are some key life moments that changed your perspective or led you in a certain direction?
• What experiences convey something interesting or unusual about you?
• Who has influenced you and how?
• When have you experienced disappointment and how did you handle it?
• When have you experienced success and what did you learn from it?

3. Once you've answered these questions and drafted some stories, make an appointment with a fellowships advisor to discuss how to craft an excellent personal statement!

• Personal Statements, JMU Writing Center
• Writing the Personal Statement, Purdue University
• Five Strategies for Writing More Clearly, City University of New York
• Clichés, UNC Chapel Hill
• Writing a Winning Personal Statement for Grad School, gograd.org

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