Toastmasters Core Value: Integrity

A short post today, but an important one as I reflect on the first of the four Toastmasters core values: Integrity.

A Google search for the definition of integrity yields "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles." Toastmasters isn't just about what we do, but about how we do it. As we improve our skills, it is important to be honest. We should not lie about what we have achieved. We also should not lie about what we feel our limitations are. We should be honest about what we have done and what we believe we can do - in the club and beyond. This includes making reasonable commitments that we intend to complete and being honest about what progress we have made towards those commitments.

Our principles could vary from person to person, but we should hold to them. A club should also be principled and hold all members accountable to Toastmasters guidelines. Of course we will make mistakes, but we should be honest when we do and work to correct those mistakes as best we can.

Integrity is the first core value of Toastmasters because the other three are built on it. What are those other three? I plan to post about them in future writings!

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