What Does it Mean to Walk Securely?

Just about every politician out there has buzzwords when he, or she, runs for office.  Almost inevitably one of those buzzwords is “Integrity” as though we are all supposed to be impressed that this crook public servant can put “integrity” on the signs.

In reality, most politicians are as crooked as they come.

Someone who walks with integrity, which means conducts him or herself with integrity, walks securely.  Securely in the fact that they know there’s nothing hidden behind their façade.  Someone that truly walks with integrity won’t worry about skeletons being uncovered, or the Epstein files being released.  But when they are trying to cover something, they can’t walk securely as they know their name would be on the Epstein files and the handful of shreds of what’s left of their reputation will be ruined.

There’s a tale, attributed sometimes to Mark Twain and sometimes to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, that says, “I once sent a letter to twelve of my friends that merely sad, ‘All is discovered.  Flee at once!’  They all left town immediately.”

If you conducted yourself with integrity, there’s nothing to discover (except that you’re genuinely a good person) and no fleeing required.

What are the Crooked Paths?

There are some who walk securely, but many take the crooked paths.  In a business sense this can be cutting corners, misleading customers, or even choosing poorly in your personal life.

Pretty much all I have to say is Coldplay concert, and most people will know what’s up.  For those in the back, I’ll explain.  Recently Andy Byron, the CEO of a company called Astronomer, was caught on the kisscam at a Coldplay concert.  Not a big deal… except he was canoodling with Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer (I think that means head of HR).  Andy and Kristin are not married, but they were doing things only married couples should be doing.  It was all caught on camera – their crooked paths were found out.

Ultimately those two resigned, and the rumors have it that Andy lost his $500,000 per year job, lost his stock options in the company (allegedly worth millions) and if his wife divorces him, he’ll lose even more.  And that’s just the financial repercussions.

How many other bad businesses can you think of that were doing something immoral (not necessarily having an affair) and ultimately collapsed from it?

Surrounding Applications for a Life of No Regrets

The Bible is great because if you just take that verse, you get a fantastic bit of advice on the long-term effects of conducting yourself with integrity.  However, the surrounding verses help us know how we can more effectively conduct with integrity.

In Proverbs 10:4 we hear that, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”  We know that if you put in the effort, your effort will be rewarded.

In Proverbs 10:8 we see that, “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”  Have you ever met that person that just won’t shut up?  You try to give advice, feedback, or constructive criticism and they can’t clam up long enough to accept those “commands” and they just drive themselves into destruction.

Cement Your Reputation by Writing a Book

Want to walk securely knowing you don’t have any secrets?  Have you considered writing a book?

When you write your book with transparency, you put it all out there.  You display the good, the bad.  The learning moments and the successes those hard times brought about.  It’s like an instant testament to your credibility.

Just as we can walk securely when we operate with integrity, a well-written and truthful book can secure your authority in your industry.  By sharing real experiences, even admitting to the times you messed up, your story becomes real to people.  Weave in your expertise, and it’s a resource to others, not just a marketing piece (it’s also a marketing piece).

If you’re struggling and you don’t know how to write a book, then book a free 30-minute discovery call with me.