Consistency is a choice we make. If you just had an argument with someone before walking into your next meeting, consistency means you will make a conscious choice to shift gears and release yourself from the negativity of the last conversation, not bring that to the next meeting.

Honesty and accuracy of one’s actions requires intentionality and thought. Behaviors, actions, and words should be honest, accurate.

Integrity stems from the Latin word ‘integer’ which means whole and complete. So integrity requires an inner sense of ‘wholeness’ and consistency of character. When you are in integrity, people should be able to visibly see it through your actions, words, decisions, methods, and outcomes. 

A person who has integrity is the same authentic person regardless of the situation. You can meet this person with family, friends, at athletic events, or boardroom meetings, and see a consistency in behavior, actions, and words.

Integrity is one of the fundamental values employers seek in employees. Integrity is the foundation on which coworkers build relationships, trust, and effective interpersonal relationships.

Integrity at Work

Integrity in the workplace fosters a positive workplace culture. One where there is open communication, good decision making, and a strong moral compass guiding all decisions and actions.

If you are known for your integrity, you will gain trust and respect from the people around you. People want to deal with an individual or organization that can be trusted to follow through with what they have agreed upon. To strengthen integrity, read on.

– Know yourself. Clarify your needs, values, skills and goals. Ensure that these are not reflections of others’ expectations. 

– Be Authentic. Be your genuine self all the time. Adhere to your purpose and goals.
 
– Build trusting, respectful relationships. Demonstrate you’re a team player who others can rely on. Communicate politely, honestly, and respect colleagues’ thoughts and ideas.
 
– Be honest. Encourage open communication between employers, employees, and co-workers. If you’re honest about dissatisfying aspects of your job, your employer may be able to improve the situation. Employers that are open about company policies and changes that affect the organization are more trustworthy from the employees’ perspective.
 
– Maintain confidentiality. In addition to facilitating integrity, confidentiality is a legal necessity. Employers and employees have an obligation to keep certain information private. Violation of privacy policies could lead to fines, penalties and possible lawsuits. Confidentiality instills trust and encourages sincere consideration of the privacy of others.
 
– Give and Take Credit. Accept credit for what you create, but also give credit where credit is due. Most productive, dedicated workers feel good about receiving praise or credit for their contributions.
 
– Value Time. Don’t waste anyone’s time. Be prompt for meetings and projects. Being late is a form of disrespect. Stick to deadlines, schedules, and arranged set-ups.
 
– Don’t Argue.  Don’t allow irrational emotional reactions to define the way you interact with the world. Learn how to disagree in a civil manner, and know when to just walk away. Do not send negative email messages or internet posts.
 
– Give Second Chances. Grant others the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume the worst. If you suspect someone of lying or cheating but they claim otherwise, trust them by giving a second chance.
 
– Adhere to the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is a reflection of respect for others. Treating others the way you want to be treated is the core principle of the Golden Rule, and an example of integrity at work. Practicing the Golden Rule keeps offensive comments and other disturbances at bay.
 
– Follow company policies. Policies are designed to guide you as to the best practices. Avoid use of company’s equipment or resources for personal use.
 
– Work Diligently. Show enthusiasm and commitment to your work. Focus on job responsibilities.
 
– Apologize. Don’t allow foolish pride to take precedence over rationality. Learn to say, “I’m sorry.”  This may require being the bigger person and apologizing first.
 
–  Be Accountable. Ensure your word and actions are justified, and can be explained. Define and follow through on your word or promise.
 
– Admit to and learn from mistakes. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Correct them, and move on.
 
– Tune into your intuition. Write daily thoughts, feelings and hunches in your journal.  Attend to what you write and how you feel at the time. Note thoughts and feelings that emerge when you finish. Notice how intuitive hunches feel different from calculated ones. Take at least five minutes of quiet time every day to listen to your intuition.
 
– Lead by Example. When individuals lead by example, they set the foundation for appropriate workplace behavior. Leading by example improves personal awareness, sensitivity to others, and accountability.
 
– Demonstrate Humility. Don’t brag or show off what you have or have accomplished. Feel good about your accomplishments, then strive to become better.  
 
– Strengthen Altruism. Enjoy enriching the lives of those around you, even if it means sacrificing some happiness in your own life for a while.
 
– Stand Up for Your Beliefs. Advocate what you think is the appropriate way of doing things, even if everyone else is acting differently. If you are asked to do something that’s not in harmony with your personal code of conduct, develop the courage to say no. Your integrity always keeps you on the right path. A person with integrity learns how to manage unethical or illegal temptations and winds up happier, healthier, stronger, and more successful personally and professionally.

Frederick Douglass and other folks who live with integrity are Questers.  They are described in the award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Think summer is a slow time to find a new job? Think again!

Recruiters and hiring managers do not usually take summers off. Hiring managers are looking for top talent now. If they have any openings, they do not wait to hire. So, now is as good a time as any to look for your next position.

There’s less competition in the summer. Fewer people are job searching so you and your resume have a better chance of being seen and considered!

Hiring managers are often less busy in the summer. They have more time and attention they to give to filling open positions—meaning your application stands a better chance of being reviewed somewhat promptly rather than being pushed to the back burner.

Summer is also an ideal time to train new staff members so they’ll ready for action after the Labor Day weekend. Organizations often find summer moves easier, especially when new employees are moving with the whole family since kids don’t have to switch schools in the middle of the year. Plus, the pace of work is generally a bit more relaxed.

Because many industries slow down in summer, candidates may have an easier time requesting time off to participate in interviews. You may be able to cut out in the middle of a weekday afternoon—without setting off any alarms, or weaving a web of untruths such as doctor’s appointments.

Networking contacts may also have more time to meet for informal interviews or informal coffee chats. Old colleague or new acquaintances may welcome opportunities to meet. Thus you’ll have an easier time forging some relationships and expanding your professional network.

This season may be a good time to review successful job search tips.

Effective job search strategies

– Show you’re knowledgeable about the company and its needs. Research the organization and job. Call contacts to get an insider’s perspective. Be conversant with the company’s product and services, and recent developments in the industry. Know how to describe contributions you can make. Identify and contact hiring managers.

– Prepare several resumes. Target each resume to a specific job. Demonstrate how your experience, skills and accomplishments fit the job and company.

If you’re an entry-level candidate, a page should be plenty. If you are a mid-level candidate (with about 5 -10 years of related experience), you might write a two-page resume which allows space to include all relevant information and work history. Executives or senior-level managers with long list of accomplishments and experiences may create longer resumes.

Write your resume in Microsoft Word. Cut and paste the resume into the body of an email instead of an attachment. Employ key words listed in ads to define your skills, accomplishments and other strengths. Include numbers, dollars and evidence of quality. Avoid fancy treatments such as italics, underlining and graphics. Create a separate resume to take to the interview.

– Write a short, courteous cover letter. In three or four paragraphs, identify your job objective, highlight related accomplishments, and indicate how you can benefit the employer. Consider including a portfolio with sample accomplishments, publications or other achievements.

– Prepare for interviews. Practice delivery. Know the names and titles of all interviewers. Answer questions promptly, offering concrete examples. Show how your skills and accomplishments can do the job. Use success stories to illustrate accomplishments. Emphasize results. Give data indicating positive achievements, such as increased sales by fifteen percent over the past year.

Prepare to answer key interview questions: “Tell me about yourself?” ‘What are your long-range goals?'” “Why should we hire you?” “What are your major strengths and weaknesses?” “What salary do you expect?” “How does your previous experience relate to this job?” ‘Why do you want this job? “Why did you leave your last job?”

Turn limitations into strengths. If you don’t have a ready response, ask for time to think about it. Don’t respond with one-or two-word answers, interrupt or talk too much. Never discuss salary until you’re offered the job. If pressed, give a salary range, based on average yearly income in the job field.

– Present a professional demeanor. Wear the team uniform. This shows you belong in the environment. Research the norm for the geographic locale, industry and company.  Coordinate pieces. Clothes should be spotless, well-tailored. Hair should be professionally styled, nails well-kept. Avoid strong fragrances.

Radiate enthusiasm, confidence and competence. Be positive, genuine.  A sincere smile displays good will, friendliness. Show interest in the person or project. Keep hands out-of-pockets. Maintain eye contact with everyone and develop a firm handshake.

– Leave a favorable impression. If employers like you, they may create a job for you even though you don’t fit the skill set of an advertised position. Close the interview emphasizing key skills and why you should be hired. Never refuse an offer on the spot. Send thank-you notes to interviewers within 24 hours after interviews.

Keep track of the days between interviews and correspondence, and follow-up with polite reminders when appropriate.

Don’t take rejection personally. If one job doesn’t materialize, believe you’ll get a better one. Be patient. Maintain optimism, persist.

Additional job search strategies are reviewed in the award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

“I quit my job by email since that’s how I normally communicated with my boss. But I’ve been thinking that quitting by email may not be appropriate…!”

Have you had enough? Is quitting the right option? If so, resign with class. But first, know why you’re leaving.
 
Do you have patience with customers or co-workers? Are company policies and ethics congruent with your values? Do you have supportive superiors? Do you dread Mondays? Does your job meet important needs (e.g., work/life balance, challenge, variety)? Do you enjoy job tasks? Other?
 
Evaluate your current situation. List everything you like and dislike about your position. Also identify career successes. Review why you chose your job (e.g., salary, opportunity to use skills), and whether you still have these rewards. Note whether you’re committed to your employer, what you’ll gain by remaining with the company, and what you’ll lose if you leave. Determine whether non job-related factors (e.g., relationship, health) affect your attitude.
 
Examine all options. If you’re unhappy, consider personal vacation time to gain perspective. Think about transferring to another department in your organization, a different employer, a new field, self employment, or further education. Consider asking the company’s employee assistance provider (EAP) for assistance.
 
Talk to your supervisor. Share satisfiers, dissatisfiers, and possible solutions. Discuss reshaping your job to fit interests and talents.
 
Clarify your long term career goal, and state reasons for wanting it. Review the pros and cons of achieving your goals with this company.  
 
If you decide to leave the organization, resign gracefully.
 
Transitioning Tips
 
– Prepare financially. Save enough to survive a two month unemployment drought. Create a budget. Look at needs, not wants. Cut expenses. Use coupons, comparison shop. Reevaluate housing costs. Look for additional income sources such as temp work.

Check unemployment benefits. Quitting may disqualify you from collecting benefits that are often based on circumstances surrounding your departure. Consider the economy and the demand for your skill set.

– Know company policies regarding resignation letters. A few sentences indicating notice and termination dates usually follow the verbal notice.

Write a short, gracious, visually attractive, specific letter. In the first couple of lines, indicate your intention to resign and departure date. Appreciate your boss, colleagues and experiences. For example, state you thoroughly enjoyed implementing ABC project with your team, or selling the company’s product or services. Remind the company of your achievements. If you’re taking study leave, mention that, but don’t name your new employer. Proofread your letter and ask a trustworthy friend feedback..

– Leave on good terms. Your boss should be the first to know. Schedule a face-to-face meeting.  Don’t fax or email your resignation. If your supervisor only visits your site every few months, ask for a meeting prior to her next site visit.

Get to the point. Give reasons for leaving. If your reasons are financial, give your employer a chance to make a competitive offer. Discuss entitlement to benefits. Stress the delights of having worked for the supervisor, whether delightful or not.  Focus on the positive, but give reasons for leaving. A new job may offer more promotional opportunities or better work hours. Time out for travel or study may rejuvenate you personally and professionally.

Be flexible regarding departure time and terms. Think in terms of a new reference. You’re behavior in the final days shapes others’ opinions. Tell colleagues after the official notice, but don’t discuss details. Maintain friendships. 
 
– Give sufficient notice. Follow company procedures. The standard is two to four weeks, but this depends on length of tenure. In some circumstances, such as ongoing harassment or physical threat, it’s justified to leave without notice, but. document complaints.
 
If your contract requires working for a longer time frame, discuss options with former and new employers. Your new employer may be willing to pay your current organization to get you sooner.  Negotiate the possibility of working weekends or evenings to complete projects.

Advise the new company of your requirement to give notice before starting. Employers usually respect your need to terminate with grace.
 
– Manage in-between time.  Tie up loose ends, organize files. If you have to train a replacement or hasten the completion of a project or task do so professionally, sincerely.
 
– Express appreciation. Keep negative feelings to yourself. Find something good to say.  For example, “I’ve really gained from the experience, and my colleagues meant a lot to me.”
 
– Prepare. Some companies require terminators to leave the company site immediately. Be prepared to remove personal belongings and files from your computer. Budget for the possibility of not receiving a paycheck.

– Plan for the exit interview. Many companies conduct exit interviews to pinpoint sources of employee dissatisfaction. Offer suggestions and feedback on how the organization can become more competitive and improve products or services.

Avoid career busters
– Never quit the day before joining a new organization.
– Don’t resign on impulse.
– Keep your mouth shut. Don’t badmouth or trust anyone with negative information.
– Don’t damage property or steal.
– Don’t feel guilty. Don’t mourn a job that no longer fits, or worry about what colleagues think.
 
Look forward to starting a wonderful new chapter of your life career!
 
Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, provides additional tips for getting, keeping, and quitting a job: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.

Carole Kanchier, psychologist, coach, and speaker, may be contacted at: www.questersdaretochange.com.