Integrity
What is the key to success as a professional?
Introduction
I have been in professional partnerships of all shapes and sizes for nearly 40 years. I have also sat on a number of boards both in accountancy firms and in the public and charity sectors. As a forensic accountant I work alongside lawyers, other accountants and barristers. So I have been reflecting on what are the key attributes to success as a professional whether in accountancy, law or other professions.
I have reached a view that there is one key attribute for success as a professional which is guaranteed to deliver success as an individual and for the professional’s team. Where the professional is a leader in the business this attribute is absolutely key to the long-term success and survival of their organisation. That single attribute is integrity.
Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking” - C.S.Lewis
Why do I think integrity is the single key factor in building a successful career as a professional and a leader in a sustainable professional services firm?
Acting with integrity as a professional means:
- Adopting and endorsing open and honest communication with your team, colleagues, clients and external professionals. It may require acknowledging your mistakes or weaknesses; or providing difficult feedback but honesty will build long-term relationships which will last over decades. This includes timely and courteous email and verbal communications with clients and fellow professionals.
- Understanding your own technical expertise and that of fellow colleagues and the wider firm and only accepting client engagements that you are qualified to undertake. Where you are unable to act, you seek to refer the work to others and thus helping both the client and fellow professionals.
- Focusing on the rounded development and well-being of your team members and fellow professionals. This is not about what you say but what you do in practice. It is not about your job title or role.
- Looking for opportunities to contribute to the wider community. As professionals we are in a privileged position and we have the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our local community. This can be in terms of volunteering for a local charity or by spending time in supporting younger professionals or assisting our professional bodies.
- “Speaking up”. It means respecting the opinions of others but being prepared to put across your own opinion. Integrity is doing the right thing even if there is a personal cost and where it appears you may be in a minority. It may mean speaking up to support a colleague or to put an unwelcome view to a client.
- Transparency in billing arrangements and time recording.
- Reliability and delivering what is agreed and in accordance with the agreed timetable.
- Ethical decision-making. A professional leader must be able to set aside their own agenda and support decisions for the greater good. Professionals are well suited to the role of Non-Executive Director (“NED”) but it is vital that NEDs act with integrity and independence.
- Complying with the regulations and compliance requirements of the professional regulator and organisation.
- Staying up-to-date on relevant technical developments and being open to organisational change.
So how does a lack of integrity manifest?
In essence a lack of integrity is where a professional’s actions and words are not aligned with ethical and moral principles. It manifests as dishonesty, inconsistency, moral cowardice and a lack of accountability. Professional leaders who fail to act with integrity are potentially jeopardizing not only their career but also the long-term health of their organisation. A single incidence of dishonest behaviour can quickly snowball into a thread of events which can be disastrous for financial success, brand reputation and ultimately may be the catalyst to corporate failure. Some of the biggest corporate scandals resulting from breaches in integrity and ethics include Enron, Volkswagen, Leman Brothers and BP. However, there are plenty of examples of smaller corporations, charities and professional firms which have failed as a result of dishonesty and failings by their Boards to lead with integrity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe integrity is the single key to success as a professional both in a personal capacity and as a leader. There are other attributes that can be learnt such as technical skills and business development but these must be underwritten by a strong moral compass for long term success.
Getting in Touch
Fee estimates and CVs are readily available. Quotes can typically be provided within two working days.
Email: fiona@fhmforensic.co.uk
Telephone +44 (0)7770 642491
