Our Value is Only as Good as Our Integrity
In·teg·ri·ty. What does integrity mean to you? What does it mean to your business? Moreover, what does your integrity mean to your clients?
The definition of integrity is really quite simple--firm adherence to a code of especially moral values. Integrity is synonymous with words such as incorruptibility, soundness, completeness, and honesty. As real estate professionals, our 'value' is only as good as our integrity. Think about that for a moment.
Commitment to integrity is something that is predominantly 'ingrained' in us as children; however, as adults, we must establish a commitment to this practice both in life and in our business, especially if we have employees or partners with whom we work. Shouldn't we share the same commitment to integrity as a team or a firm (our businesses)?
Are you a person of integrity? Are you incorruptible, sound, complete and honest? Do you do the right thing even if it does not mean 'money in your pocket?' Do you do the right thing even if it means additional steps in an already, lengthy transaction? (i.e. disclosures)
Possessing high integrity is perhaps the most difficult quality in life to 'achieve' but, once you have achieved it, integrity is THE most satisfying one. Integrity is connected to a very deep subconscious decision to utilize constraint when it comes to acting upon something that is morally conflicting for us. Whether we know it or not, subconsciously we may be 'considering' whether we should or shouldn't act morally in a particular situation. If we have strong convictions to 'do the right thing,' our internal conflicts will occur less often and with less conscious involvement in the decision.
In our business, we have SO many opportunities that could lead to the compromise of our integrity. Just look at the state of the economy, predominantly caused by those who chose to compromise their integrity in exchange for a hefty paycheck or even a new home mortgage. Many of the issues that cause agents to permanently lose their license are those related to poor decisions, which directly relate to their integrity.
Are you willing to compromise your license, your livlihood for a few extra bucks? We should protect and cherish our businesses, keeping in mind just how hard we worked to get to this point--but, only after we consider our morals. Our integrity is something that we've worked to protect our our entire lives.
in·teg·ri·ty (L. integritas) n. Adhering to a strict ethical code
- The state of being wholesome; unimpaired
- The quality or condition of being complete; pure
Our team's motto: Integrity Without Compromise. Plain and simply. Is that part of your customer service; part of your life?
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
