Integrity is standing up for what is right, no matter the consequences. It’s easy to blend in, to say what they want to hear, and to wear what they expect. But sometimes, making a difference means choosing to stand out; even in a room full of suits.
I was at an interview for a job I really wanted. A big opportunity. Naturally, everyone expected me to dress to the nines. But that day, I chose comfort with confidence. I wore a clean white T-shirt, simple and plain, because I wanted them to see me, not a costume. To balance things out, I added a black tie and threw on a neat black coat. I arrived early, hoping to be among the first. But to my surprise, I was number 33 on the list. The first person was called in, he walked with an air of confidence, chest high, like he owned the room. I began to pray. What difference can I make? We all had good qualifications. The second person entered. He came out sweating, looking like life had just handed him a lesson.
While waiting, I noticed something strange, the fans were on, spinning hard, blowing over empty chairs. In a country where power is precious, that didn’t sit right with me. So I stood up and started switching them off one by one. As in… the chairs were not humans now. Why waste electricity cooling empty seats? For every move I made, I switched off the fan.
What I didn’t know was that someone was watching me — the Indian man upstairs. He was the manager. Without saying a word, he sent for me. And just like that, I was offered automatic employment. As if I had passed a hidden test.
It wasn’t about the clothes, or the number on the list, it was about noticing a problem and being bold enough to fix it. That’s integrity. That’s the real difference. Don’t just beg to differ, do something that commands difference.
Thanks!