Integrity:

    Integrity is the quality of absolute honesty, trustfulness, and uprightness of character and moral principles.  In the Marine Corps, a few Marines hold the lives of many Marines in their hands.  As a leader you must have unquestioned integrity.  Honesty, sense of duty, and moral principles must be placed above all else.  You must be totally trustworthy for your subordinates to have faith in you and for your seniors to have confidence in you.  The trait of integrity is developed by following these practices and habits:

·         Practice absolute honesty and be trustworthy at all times, not only with yourself, but also with others.  Never shade the truth.

·         Be accurate and truthful in all statements.  Don't tell your superiors only that which you think they want to hear.  Tell it as it is -- but tactfully.

·         Stand for what you believe, even if the belief is an unpopular one.

·         Place honesty and duty above all else.

EXAMPLES:

1. A Marine who uses the correct technique on the obstacle course, even when they cannot be seen by the evaluator.

2. During an inspection, if something goes wrong or is not corrected as had been previously directed, the Marine can be counted upon to always respond truthfully and honestly.

REFERENCE:  Marine Corps Values and Leadership User's Guide for Discussion Leader