Integrity -vs- Deception

I met an Amway salesman this week, except he didn't tell me he was an Amway salesman.

I've come across this pitch so many times, I could probably give it. “I'm an online distributor of household supplies. I have a web store that provides all of the things you can find at a big box store and at unbeatable prices.” The pitch continues, “I'm looking for strong, talented people that really want to better their lives.”

WHOA! The conversation went from owning an internet super store to looking for a “few good men.”

What is it about these guys that they can't tell you what they sell and who's writing their paychecks? I conversed with this guy for better than 30 minutes and not once did he mention that he is an Amway distributor or that they've renamed their business Quixtar. Could it possibly be that they know Amway and Quixtar are synonymous with deceptive sales people and boring coffee meetings at Denny's?

Whether it's your business or your personal life, it's imperative that you have integrity and practice honesty in everything you do. Integrity means always doing the right thing even if you will personally suffer. Integrity means making difficult decisions and following through. Integrity means we can trust each other. It's the opposite of deception. It's the antithesis of misleading.

I refuse to purchase from businesses that lack integrity or fail to follow through on promises. I refuse to be anything more than an acquaintance of anyone that is dishonest.

When you're making plans for a new business endeavor or looking into a new job, ask yourself, “Will I be able to tell everyone I meet that [I am in this business] or [I work for this company]?” If you hesitate in the slightest about answering “yes,” it's likely you are acting in conflict with your value system. Chances are integrity and forthrightness will prevail in your subconscious.

Afterward: I personally don't have anything against Amway or Quixtar (the same thing). In fact it is a business model that works for some people. My experience however is that the “distributors” of Amway don't talk about “Amway” or “Quixtar” until you are well into their coffee presentation. My preference, as someone who has been through a couple of these meetings, is to have all of the information up front rather than vague, canned phrases. In other words, a little less deception please!

(Brandon Johnston is a Life and Transition Coach assisting people discover success and happiness in life and work. Brandon can be reached by email at brandon@coachbrandon.net, or by phone at 612.326.4717.)