Oliver Starr, who used to report for Blognation, posted this as part of a message:

“…there are few limits to what I would do for a real friend. The counterpoint to that is that my friendship and loyalty come with a price. That price is honesty. That price is respect. That price is integrity.”

And so he highlighted one of the essential ingredients of influence - Integrity.

In a business world dominated by transactional relationships, the word seems an anachronism. Yet on something as personal as your blog, it assumes a dominant role.

The dictionary defines integrity as “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.”

Doesn’t sound hard - yet when it comes to the crunch, it is in reality VERY hard to stick to.

One of the reasons I decided to focus more attention on this blog is to let me retain my integrity - without worrying about what others may say or feel, or how others may edit, censor or modify my message if it is posted on other forums or media.

And while I’m not as ‘bluntly honest’ in a public medium as I might be in personal conversation, I certainly do not mince words or whitewash facts as may be convenient/necessary in other group situations.

Has this approach worked? Does it give me added influence? Will it make me more enemies and lose contacts?

The answer to all questions is: Maybe.

I don’t know - yet. Still, considering just how much influence people with integrity have wielded over centuries, it seems a pretty clear conclusion that integrity will be followed naturally by attention - and possibly influence, in the course of time.

That is linked to another important thing - CONSISTENCY.

One cannot choose times and places to exhibit integrity. It has to be consistent. Natural. Innate.

Never mind the consequences.

And so it requires a certain level of courage and moral fortitude to show integrity in transactions, relationships and behavior.

What do you think about integrity and its role in creating influence?

How would you define integrity in blogging?

Is integrity the same as being bluntly honest - or is it something more subtle, yet impactful?