Integrity, the loyal friend

Today, the desire to have a positive impact on society plays an increasing role in our career decisions. We don't want to work for companies whose values are incompatible with our own, where there's a lack of transparency, empathy, punctuality, toxic management and disrespectful co-workers. We spend most of the week at work, so we might as well agree with the company's values. 

Does this sound familiar to you? First of all, you could take the noble route, turning activism into your career. Find a job at an NGO (but do your research, as some of them hide some rather ugly truths), apply to a socially responsible company (for-profit companies with a recognised social or environmental commitment), or choose a profession bound by an oath of conduct (doctors take the Hippocratic oath, solicitors swear before the court, journalists endorse the Munich charter, etc.) Are you in another sector with less than clear ethical framework? Rest assured, integrity is not synonymous with commitment, but rather with honesty and transparency. Anyway, here's a bit of advice: don't hide your values from HR. 

Something to highlight on your CV 

Situation 1: you have political and/or social commitments: let your convictions shine through (in addition to all your other qualities) in job interviews and in your CV. Talk about the time you spent volunteering for Oxfam or how you helped count rough sleepers in your hometown. There are several reasons to do this. First, having values makes you a person of integrity. And, suprise surprise, showing honesty and commitment appeals to most employers - it shows you have emotional intelligence.But we'll get back to that in a moment. Secondly, you may have developed some useful skills through your community work or activism. Do you spend your afternoons raising awareness about the climate emergency? Are your evenings dedicated to writing articles on reforming the NHS? Do you make videos about your fight for gender equality? Speaking in public, participating in company communications, or giving a presentation in the office might be for you. Taking pride in your values and being ready to defend them is a good way to get to know others and get the conversation started. 

It might well also land you a job in a field you truly care about. Your contributions will enrich the company's CSR policy, which is becoming increasingly important for brand image and for attracting other talented employees. So, find yourself a renewable energy supplier, a recycling company, or a campaign for equal pay for equal work, and just apply. Everyone will benefit. Or maybe you'd rather invite your employer to join you in your commitment? It's not pie-in-the-sky: it's called corporate sponsorship. It basically means allowing employees to spend some of their working time participating in civic or charitable activities. For example, employees at Adecco, a temp agency, can distribute meals, collect clothes, or help with writing CVs. 

It's like a code of honour

Situation 2: You're a straight shooter, but activism isn't really your thing. Rest assured that being honest is not just for idealists. You don't have to have to fight to demonstrate your integrity. Truthfulness, discipline and self-respect may sometimes amuse the cynics, but at work, they will reassure them. That goes for both your manager and your colleagues. You may laugh at the naivety of Ted Lasso, but no one questions his unwavering commitment to AFC Richmondh. In the eyes of management, it's about loyalty and reliability - though we'd advise you not to take too much inspiration from Ted. When you have a sense of responsibility and a strict code of honour, you'll certainly show up on time and take pride in doing a proper job. And you'll be less tempted to go on break every half hour or to scroll your Instagram every five minutes. Actually, make sure you do take some breaks: they're quite good for productivity. 

The Yoda of the office you will be 

As for your co-workers, we bet they'll be relieved to have an honest and straightforward colleague. Someone who doesn't point fingers, doesn't pass the buck, doesn't take cheap shots to get a promotion - that must lighten the mood, right? Knowing that you're able to admit your mistakes, or be honest when deciding between two opinions or two strategies should also make you, if not an ideal mediator, at least an advisor that people call upon. Not to mention the fact that you should support your colleagues and be someone they can talk to if they experience harassment or toxic behaviour. 

Don't let your integrity get to your head: don't play the lonesome cowboy and be straight-laced, draped in your own virtue, incapable of the slightest concession. Having values doesn't mean being arrogant, especially at work where you have to deal with your co-workers' and the company's arrogance as well. A little advice: follow the path of the Knights of the Round Table - they are figures of great integrity. Their real strength is not Excalibur - cool as it may look - but compassion, selflessness, and devotion to the common good. So take a step back, listen carefully, and work on compromising. For in the office, as in the UN, without a mediator, there's no salvation.