A couple of days ago I had an incident at work that was jaw dropping for me. I announced a decision to limit the number of comments per person I will allow in one particular internal social network discussion group that is prone to bickering over political issues. Since the purpose of the network is to foster positive connections and communication, I felt it necessary to minimize such unhelpful non-business online banter. The vast majority of people immediately agreed and showed their support.
Inconceivably, one person – aware that I am conservative – commented on my announcement with something like “I suppose this will only be applied to Obama supporters.” My jaw dropped when I read that. My brief response was “Excuse me?”
In 2.5 years of managing our internal network, nobody – and I mean nobody – has ever questioned the integrity or fairness with which I manage, nor do they nor will they ever have a reason to do so. I apply the same rules to all, doing what is in the best interest of the growth and usefulness of the community in accomplishing business goals. I challenge anyone to show evidence to the contrary. So when someone spewed such an unfounded accusation publicly for all to see, many were stunned to see it, not the least of which was me.
Accusations are either true or they aren’t. If they are true, then there needs to be admission of wrongdoing and behavior needs to change accordingly. If accusations are false, the accused needs to stand firm and continue behaving properly, aware that you can’t stop accusations from coming your way, but you don’t have to be sidetracked by false ones. You can carry on with confidence.
I’ve been on the giving side and the receiving side of accusations regarding integrity. Neither side is fun, although in the case of uncovering truth that is hidden, it is an uncomfortable but necessary process. If you’re the accuser, make darn sure you have the evidence before accusing. If you’re the accused, just tell the truth.
Integrity may not mean much to some people, but it means a whole lot to me.
Leap year lesson #291 is Guard your integrity with consistent behavior.
Next Practices 
Shame on this person. All who know you know you are a person of integrity.
Thank you, Tracy.
I do not know you personally, but I read your Leap Year Lesson Blogs. In everything you write, I am amazed at the insights that you draw from, what I would consider everyday things. You help to open my eyes to the fact that lessons can be drawn from things I have overlooked before. I am not a deep thinker. I take a lot at face value and move on. I simply just don’t have the time to reflect and assess things. Some days, it is all I can do to complete the days requirements of family, work, and self-preservation. Somehow, God should be in my list, but frankly, I have not given him much time either.
One thing that I appreciate that I can count on is your Leap Year Lesson Blog. It gives me some food for thought. I have never found your words of wisdom to be slanted in any manner. Your decision to limit the number of comments one makes should simply make these members stop to think before they comment. You did not turn off their ability to comment, just asked that they think and comment wisely. Too bad the human brain does not come with such a simple switch for one’s mouth….the person that made the comment about your integrity could have used it.
Please keep up the good work☺
Lisa Asbury
Thank you, Lisa, so much for your comment. I completely understand your experience of keeping on keeping on and not having time to pause and reflect much. That has been a big challenge for me this year. I appreciate your kindness.