Clayton Christensen: Instilling the Value of Integrity in Your Heart

knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu

37 points·ppaulca··5 comments

An initial reaction, just to the posted title:

I think the important part is to instill the value of integrity in your life. It may not always, initially seem the easy choice -- or the popular choice (another form of "easy").

But when you make the right choice, and it eventually pays off. When you see your parents and good friends do this. A lightbulb moment.

Those are the people who will drop their own affairs and swamp out your flooded basement. Drive your mother to the hospital and wait overnight, when you're out of town on business. Pay you because they said they would.

That sinks in deep.

So, don't start by thinking you are an island of virtue, seeking to influence others. Buy into the undercurrent, all around you. Learn to distinguish it, ride it, and reinforce it.

That's the power -- albeit at times a demanding one -- of integrity.

P.S. I'll add that that does not mean to not question "the rules" of society. Critical thinking and judgment are essential.

Also, it's easier to follow your values when you surround yourself with a community that believes in the same values. That's why Christians have church.

Surround yourself with SV snakes, and you'll rapidly find your principles eroding.

>> Surround yourself with SV snakes, and you'll rapidly find your principles eroding.

Everyone, including SV snakes, wants integrity and/or thinks they have it. The problem is that everyone has a different definition.

Something like the Dunning–Kruger effect applied to ethics?

Here's a link to the 2010 HBS commencement address that his book (and this interview) are based on: http://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life/ar/pr

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