Further Understanding Your Assessment Results

Before you scroll down to see further narrative on your assessment range score, it is helpful to remember a number of elements to consider regarding the nature of your score. Your assessment score is a reflection of your current own assessment through the lens of all of your present life conditions. This score encapsulates any conscious or unconscious biases you may bring into the assessment, stemming from your unique set of life experiences and perceptions.

It is important to note that this assessment is not meant to be a definitive measure of your integrity. Integrity, even if it could be, is not an object to be measured.  It is an essence to be lived. While often said, it is inaccurate for an individual to say, “I have integrity” or make a judgmental statement of others, “they have integrity” or “they do not have integrity.” In reality, everyone lives in some degree of integrity in any given moment on any given day, in each and every relationship and in every choice or decision.   One-by-one.  Not overall. There is, however, no question that the degree of one’s integrity is fueled by a number of factors.  This assessment is focused on those critical factors.

This assessment is exploring your current level of awareness, your depth of understanding, and the conscious level at which you consistently and systemically live into the essence of integrity in your day-to-day life and in your position as a leader within your organization. Your score is not a comparison to others.  Your score stands on its own. To reflect the importance of a very broad awareness, a very deep understanding and a consistent and systemic level of consciousness, the assessment sets a very high bar.  The perceptions you hold and the responses you provided may not fully account for the deeper nature of core values and how they differ from behaviors, wants, needs, opinions, and beliefs. A majority of the scores will fall below the 50% mark. Some well below.  This is not a problem, but rather an opportunity for self-reflection and growth, inviting a leader to explore, deepen your understanding and ultimately reimagine the very nature of integrity and the potential that it holds for you. The upside could be significant not only for you, but for all you lead … and most important for those you love.

Integrity, in this context, is not simply about honesty or moral compliance; it is about being whole, entire, and undiminished, integrating your core values into every aspect of your life. This journey is continuous and ever-evolving. Use your score as a starting point to further explore and enhance your commitment to living with integrity, both personally and in all your relationships.

Other factors to consider:

• Self-Assessment Limitations: Self-assessments can be influenced by various factors, including current mood, recent experiences, and self-perception biases. Understanding this helps contextualize your score as a momentary snapshot rather than a fixed measure.
• Growth Mindset: Viewing your score through a growth mindset lens encourages continuous learning and improvement. Regardless of your current score, there is always room for deeper understanding and enhanced practice of integrity.
• Reflective Practice: A regularly established practice of reflection on your personal and organizational core values can significantly enhance your awareness and alignment with integrity. This assessment serves as a tool to prompt an enhanced awareness.
• Holistic View: Recognize that integrity is multi-faceted. It involves a holistic integration of values into all areas of life, fostering coherence and authenticity.

By keeping these points in mind, you can use your assessment score as a meaningful starting point for a journey of deeper self-awareness and integrity. Embrace this opportunity to explore and expand your understanding, knowing that the path to living with integrity is both profound and rewarding.

As a leader, you may want to read The Case for Reimagining Integrity which will be available here on September 1, 2024.  There will be plenty of new food for thought there that could change your understanding of why you would want to bother of thinking about any of this in a rapid world of change that already pulls you in many directions. It may change how you see the privilege of your leadership and the legacy you leave behind.

You may want to also consider Return On Integrity: The New Definition of ROI and Why Leaders Need to Know II. It is immediately available on Amazon. The following is from the Opening Thoughts of the Revised Edition:

Opening Thoughts Revisited

I have once again returned to this stone bench in the Spruce Plot of the Morton Arboretum at precisely noon today. Not by design, but perhaps by intuition. There is something defining about the noon hour—the sun directly overhead, in transition, with fair warning that the morning has broken and is passing to the second half. Maybe calling out the effort to make the most of what is to remain.

It is the fifth time that I’ve intentionally returned to this contemplative place. The scenery is quite different since the first time I came, on a cool spring day, to write the original Opening Thoughts of this book. The towering historic pines have grown seven years taller, and like many leaders, are exponentially showing their wear. Some have fallen, while others have departed. The sparseness has invited more sunlight to the forest floor, bringing hope of new life with lush green groundcover on this warm summer’s day.

You might say the context, of sitting in this all too familiar place, is quite different from the first time I sat here with a blank page to dig into the concept of integrity. And so is the context in which this book was originally conceived and ultimately written. While some things may appear to be the same, in the sense of familiar roads, bridges, buildings and such . . . our lives have been affected, and have affected others, in both incremental and massive ways.

In today’s world, a lot can happen—and change—in just under a decade. Not necessarily for the better. Especially when it comes to integrity.

As I wrote the words of the original Opening Thoughts, it felt that we were at a defining crossroad when it came to a deeper understanding of the essence of integrity.

Today, we may very well be at a point of critical necessity.

And it is in these crucial moments I notice that I too have changed. Almost a decade more of focused conversations, meaningful questions, and watching well-intended people intentionally digging to their core—my own eyes, heart, and soul have been opened to a greater depth. All of this precisely when I thought my understanding simply could not stand to go any deeper, only to realize there was no end to be found to this depth of understanding. And that the need for all of us to begin to understand integrity more fully has never been of greater importance . . . and possibly never more misunderstood.

The only thing that hasn’t changed since I first rested on the rough stone bench is integrity itself—the integrity that engulfs these beautiful and fragile pines trees, and the organizations, communities, cities, nations, planets, and all of creation that exist beyond them. If you are willing to open your eyes to this deeper essence of integrity, you will understand that all of these are fully connected—integrated, if you will—including you and me. And if you choose to surrender to this reality, it changes how you see everything in your everyday, busy, complicated life. It changes how you show up, the impact you make, and brings to life meaning and purpose in the most mundane tasks, the most complex strategies, and the most emotional relational interactions.

I’ve also learned that to limit integrity to the concept of being honest is simply dishonest. It is a surface level understanding that conveniently confirms the way we already see things—our own narrow experience in a vast creation, limitless in wonder and awe.

When I first sat on this stone bench, there had been no modern-day pandemic with a whiplash halt to everything. Video conferences were minimal and awkward at best. Corporations who insisted working from home would never work, now waddle through a virtual world. Our politics, policies, and world order feel more hard-lined and lethally divided, unknowable and unsettling for many generations who cover this planet today.

Just when there seems to be no integrity, is precisely when integrity’s sweet invitation lures the hopelessness into the arms of hope where it begins to dissolve the fear of all that divides. It equips every leader to rise to the responsibility invested in them in positions they have temporarily been loaned.

The world seems more virtual, yet integrity has always known it to be virtual. In a world divided by time and space, workplace integrity has never been more relevant, more vital, and more helpful in everything you do; it permeates every skill you have, every relationship you connect, and how you interact with every person you lead.

The message of Return on Integrity may have been started on this stone bench almost a decade ago, written to reflect its own time—but it was also meant for a time such as this.

Let’s stand-up, start walking, and begin this journey together.

In the meantime, below, you can find your assessment score and the description for those who fall in that range.

 

Critical Awareness Needed: 0-83

Your current score indicates a critical need for increased awareness regarding integrity. This range suggests that there may be significant gaps in understanding and applying the deeper principles of integrity in your life. While this may seem daunting, it also represents a tremendous opportunity for growth and transformation. By embracing the journey to reimagine integrity, you can begin to uncover the core values that truly define you and start to integrate them into your daily decisions and actions. This is the first step towards a more authentic and fulfilling life, where your actions align with your deepest values.

High Awareness Needed: 84-116

Your score suggests that there is a high need for awareness in the realm of integrity. While you may have some understanding of its importance, there are likely many areas where deeper reflection and growth are necessary. This is a pivotal moment for you to explore and challenge your current beliefs and behaviors. By committing to a path of self-discovery and personal growth, you can begin to close the gap between your current state and the potential for a more integrated and meaningful life. The journey ahead is one of profound transformation and endless possibilities.

Gaps in Awareness: 117-150

Your score reflects noticeable gaps in your awareness and practice of integrity. You may have started to recognize the importance of core values, but there is still much work to be done in integrating these values into your daily life. This range highlights the areas where you can focus your efforts to achieve greater alignment and authenticity. Embrace this opportunity to dig deeper into your beliefs and actions, and to make conscious choices that reflect your true self. The potential for positive change is immense, and each step you take brings you closer to a life of integrity and fulfillment.

Inconsistent Awareness: 151-183

Your score indicates inconsistent awareness in the application of integrity. There are moments when you align well with your core values, but there are also times when you may fall short. This inconsistency can lead to inner conflict and a sense of disconnection. Recognizing these fluctuations is the first step towards creating a more stable and integrated approach to integrity. By committing to regular self-reflection and seeking honest feedback, you can begin to build a more consistent practice that aligns with your deepest values. The journey towards greater consistency is filled with growth and self-discovery.

Developing Awareness: 184-216

Your score suggests that you are in the process of developing awareness around integrity. You have a foundational understanding and are beginning to see the importance of living in alignment with your core values. This is an exciting stage where you can build on your current knowledge and continue to grow. Embrace the opportunities for learning and self-reflection that come your way, and seek out experiences that challenge and expand your understanding. Your commitment to this path will lead to a more authentic and integrated life, where your actions resonate with your true self.

Emerging Awareness: 217-234

Your score reflects an emerging awareness of the deeper aspects of integrity. You are on the right path, actively engaging with your core values and striving to integrate them into your daily life. This range suggests that you are becoming more conscious of the importance of integrity and are taking steps to live in alignment with your values. Continue to nurture this awareness through ongoing reflection and intentional practice. The journey ahead is one of continuous growth and deeper understanding, where each step brings you closer to a life of greater authenticity and fulfillment.

Aligned Awareness: 235-251

Your score indicates a well-aligned awareness of integrity. You have a solid understanding of your core values and are making conscious efforts to live in accordance with them. This alignment brings a sense of coherence and purpose to your life. However, the journey doesn’t end here. Continue to challenge yourself and seek out new ways to deepen your understanding and practice of integrity. Embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that come your way, and remain open to the evolving nature of your values and beliefs. Your commitment to this path will lead to even greater fulfillment and authenticity.

Integrated Awareness: 252-268

Your score reflects a high level of integrated awareness. You have successfully woven your core values into the fabric of your daily life, creating a strong foundation of integrity. This integration brings a profound sense of alignment and purpose. However, the journey of integrity is ongoing. Continue to explore and deepen your understanding, and remain open to new perspectives and experiences. The potential for exponential growth and impact is immense, and your commitment to this path will continue to yield transformative results.

Transformative Awareness: 269-285

Your score indicates a transformative level of awareness regarding integrity. You have not only integrated your core values into your life but have also experienced significant personal growth and transformation as a result. This range reflects a deep and authentic commitment to living with integrity, which positively influences all areas of your life. Continue to embrace this journey with an open heart and mind, and seek out opportunities to share your insights and experiences with others. Your leadership and example can inspire profound change in those around you.

Exponential Potential: 286-300

Your score reflects an exceptional level of awareness and practice of integrity, positioning you at the forefront of personal and collective transformation. You have a profound understanding of your core values and consistently live in alignment with them. This range indicates that you are well-prepared to dive even deeper into the journey of integrity, exploring its unlimited potential within you and around you. Embrace this opportunity to further expand your awareness and impact, and continue to lead with authenticity and purpose. Your commitment to this path will not only enrich your life but also inspire and elevate those you encounter.