Integrity is important. One fundamental characteristic of acting with integrity is telling it straight. Beyond just saying it, we often need to advocate or “push it” to overcome organizational biases and human nature to just go along. The following tips are worth thinking about and perhaps living by.

1. Speak up –This is easier to do in a trusting and safe environment where people feel comfortable speaking their mind. The more enlightened organizations go to great lengths to create such an environment. Regardless, the best decisions are made when people are willing to raise issues, share opposing views or bring forth new information worthy of consideration.

2. Question Everything Important– Often the best way we get to the facts on important issues is to ask questions. I tend to ask lots of questions. The interesting thing is that many do not persist in a line of questioning and stop before reaching the facts. We have a tendency to go along with the prevailing opinion or line of reasoning, i.e., the path of least resistance.

3. Persevere – It takes experience to determine when to persevere further and when to stop and accept the facts presented. To be honest, about 95% of the time, my questioning attitude does not change the facts, but rather confirms them. However, in some instances, perseverance reveals new and important information that avoids problems in the long run.

One example was questioning a vendor’s test method. It really wasn’t my area of expertise, but something didn’t seem to add up. My first round of questions was basically dismissed by the vendor with a response that did not satisfy me. So I kept on pushing and after several phone calls and obtaining independent input from people I trust, we were able to get to the facts and the vendor agreed and re-did the test using a valid test method.

So to sum it up, if it’s important, don’t succumb to group think or taking the path of least resistance. Rather, listen to that little voice and proactively push (in a positive way) until the answer makes sense.

What do you think? Is it better to go along with the majority or speak up when you are not convinced all the facts are on the table?