Dec ‘24 BOTS: Integrity
December’s Book on the Shelf
Integrity by Dr. Henry Cloud
Dimensions of Wellbeing: Directional | Social | Vocational | Spiritual
When you hear “Integrity”, your first instinct is likely to think “Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” If you then proceed to wipe your hands clean and think “okay, what’s next?”…hold on. While you’re not wrong, you’re a long way from right.
We all think we understand integrity. In fact, Integrity is one of my 5 Core Values (along with Purpose, Betterment, Responsibility, and Gratitude). Like many people, I felt I had a grasp on what Integrity was is—"Do what you say you're going to do." (sound familiar?)
As I looked deeper, I realized that definition didn’t hold up. What if you simply don’t commit to anything? Does that mean you’re living with integrity? Of course not.
In my search for deeper meaning, I picked up Integrity by Dr. Henry Cloud, a book that helped reshape and define what integrity truly means.
Personal Insight: Beyond “Posters on a Wall”
When I work with clients—whether individuals or organizations—one of the most impactful sessions we do is Core Values Development. It’s where we move beyond the “Poster on the Wall” definitions all too common in businesses and life, and ask: “What do these values actually look like in your words, actions, and decisions EVERY DAY?”
Through this process, I’ve learned that integrity is truly about character integration. Dr. Cloud’s book affirms this beautifully:
“Who a person is will ultimately determine if their brains, talents, competencies, energy, effort, deal-making abilities, and opportunities will succeed”
It’s not just about keeping promises. It’s about showing up as the same person in every situation, whether someone’s watching or not. That’s wholeness—and that’s powerful. And Dr. Cloud shares 6 ways in which we can be sure to do that.
Takeaways: What Integrity Offers
Dr. Cloud redefines integrity as the foundation of growth, leadership, and success. He begins the book by explaining the Three Essential for Success:
Competencies: You have to be able to bring value to the world.
Alliances: You need to be able to connect with others to build something bigger.
Character: You need to have the character to not screw it up.
From there, Dr. Cloud proceeds to help us better understand the Six Essential Qualities that go beyond just “doing the right thing.” He shares with us that in order to have a character that succeeds, it needs to do the following:
Creates and maintain trust
Sees and faces reality
Works in ways that bring results
Embraces negative realities and solves them
Causes growth and increase
Achieves transcendence and meaning in life
In the eyes of Dr. Cloud (and myself), it’s not enough to “do the right thing when no one’s watching.” We have to ask ourselves:
What is my character doing to contribute meaningfully to those I love, and the world at large? Learning and living by the above 6 traits can be a powerful way to begin that journey.
You’ll LOVE This Book If…
You feel disconnected and want to realign your actions, decisions, and aspirations with your character.
You’re a leader looking to build trust and integrity within your organization.
You’re ready to do the internal work to become a whole, integrated person.
Don’t Read This Book If…
You already feel completely integrated as a person (and even then, it might still challenge you).
You’re not ready to face areas where your actions don’t align with your values.
Reasons I Love This Book
Dr. Cloud’s writing is clear, practical, and actionable. He takes what could feel like an abstract idea and breaks it down into steps you can implement immediately. The book challenges you to:
Identify Gaps: Reflect on where your words, actions, and character are out of alignment.
Build Resilience: Strengthen your capacity to show up consistently, even in adversity.
Lead Authentically: Develop trust through a life that’s integrated and whole.
This book doesn’t just tell you what integrity is; it helps you become a person who lives it.
You Are What You Do…
Integrity isn’t a destination—it’s a process of becoming. Start with these simple steps:
Stage One – Learning: Read this book, and begin to gauge yourself on the 6 Areas of Character listed above.
Stage Two – Prepping: Define your Values. Write your Values somewhere you can see them each day. In your journal, note which ones you lived by that day, and HOW. Note which ones you missed, and how you might
Stage Three – Commit: Share your Values publicly, and the wins you gain from those Values. Connect the wins back to the Values early and often.
What would change if you aligned your actions, words, and character into one whole person?
If you’re ready to close the gaps and live with true integrity, pick up the book here.
Let’s talk about how this foundational value can transform your life and work. Reach out, book a free 30-minute discovery call, and let’s explore how your values can fuel your next big move.
