If I could teach only one value to live by, it would be this: Success will come and go, but integrity is forever. Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching. It takes having the courage to do the right thing, no matter what the consequences will be.

I recently came across this excellent 2012 article about integrity, defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.”  It also applies to the education industry – in spades.

Here is one of a number of pieces of sound advice, similar to the conventional wisdom regarding gossip.  If someone gossips about others, you can sure they gossip about you, i.e., they are not to be trusted.

A word of advice to those who are striving for a reputation of integrity: Avoid those who are not trustworthy. Do not do business with them. Do not associate with them. Do not make excuses for them.  Do not allow yourself to get enticed into believing that “while they may be dishonest with others, they would never be dishonest with me.” If someone is dishonest in any aspect of his life you can be guaranteed that he will be dishonest in many aspects of his life.

Follow this link to read the article in its entirety.  A belated thanks to Amy Rees Anderson,  “entrepreneur turned mentor & angel investor,” for sharing her thoughts and insights on this important and timeless topic.

MAA