No, this is not a “can you walk and chew gum at the same time” kind of post…

The old adage “Talk is cheap” still rings true.  The world can stand just about everything, except a hypocrite.  If the way you “walk” does not match the way you “talk” then everyone will discard your words.  Actions are a measure of the belief you have in what you say you believe.

In the IT world this equates to the way you approach everything related to IT services, the equity of your distribution of information and your general perspective on keeping your word.

Integrity is the glue that holds it all together.  It means that you fairly distribute all information and knowledge that you are passing on.  It means that you enforce the rules evenly toward all staff, projects and sites regardless of rank and position/title.  It means that you keep your word – not saying one thing and doing another.

Your ability to lead and manage is based on the trust that others extend to you.  When you set a deadline – meet it.  When you say you will do something – do it.  Trust is hard to earn and easy to loose.  Watch yourself to see if you are earning trust or whittling it away.