Integrity

The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality

By: Henry Cloud

Narrated by: Henry Cloud

Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Integrity. It is more than simple honesty. It's the key to success. A person with integrity has the, often rare, ability to pull everything together, to make it all happen no matter how challenging the circumstances.

Drawing on experiences from his work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and individual leaders, Dr. Henry Cloud, a clinical psychologist and nationally syndicated radio host, shows how our character can keep us from achieving all we want to (or could) be.

In Integrity, Dr. Cloud explores the six qualities of character that define integrity. He uses stories from well-known business leaders like Michael Dell and sports figures like Tiger Woods to illustrate each of these qualities. He shows us how people with integrity:

• Are able to connect with others and build trust
• Are oriented toward reality
• Finish well
• Embrace the negative
• Are oriented toward increase
• Have an understanding of the transcendent

Success is not related to only talent or brains. There are a lot of bright, talented people who are never successful. And the most successful are not only the ones with the most talent. The real factor, Cloud demonstrates, is the makeup of the person. All of us can grow in the kinds of real character that bring about fruitful relationships and achievement of purpose, mission, and goals. Integrity is not something that you either have or don't, but instead is an exciting growth path that all of us can engage in and enjoy.

©2006 Dr. Henry Cloud (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Cloud's conversational writing style makes for an easy read, and much of his advice is sound." (Publishers Weekly)

"The author, a quick and spontaneous speaker, is a clinical and corporate psychologist who is down-to-earth and enthusiastic as he unpacks the components of reality functioning that are important to success and fulfillment. It's a remarkable audio achievement that the richness and complexity of these ideas don't sound intellectualized. The author's gift in this regard allows the enormous value in his thinking to have practical value for anyone whose life needs adjustment." (AudioFile) 

An Audiobook That Everyone Should Hear

I only downloaded this book a couple of days ago and I'm already on my second listen. Harry Cloud speaks very well and seems to truly know his subject matter. Although nothing is truly ground-breaking or life-altering about this book it is a great reminder about why we should strive to improve our character and our integrity. He says we should do it not just for its own sake but because it will help us in every aspect of our lives, from our careers to our relationships.

While I was listening, I found myself applying what he said to myself and also the people that I know. It helped me more fully understand what it takes to become "integrated" and more respected and liked by others.

Finally - clearly defined components of Character!

Would you listen to Integrity again? Why?

Yes it is packed for solid and applicable information for all aspects of your life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Integrity?

How Dr Cloud introduces the terms and applies real stories for application. His story telling approach makes the concepts very useful.

Which scene was your favorite?

No specific one - all good!

If you could give Integrity a new subtitle, what would it be?

Character Integration & Transparency or Heart and Will: Creating a Win - Win

Any additional comments?

Truly a must read for all brave enough to Lead were no one else wants to go.

Different than You Think, Better Than I Thought

Those who have read Henry Cloud's books know that he does great stuff. Intregrating into your life what you know as truth is at the heart of integrity. Come to this book with an open mindset, you will love it.

A good listen

I downloaded the book and listened to it during one long road trip. Very empowering! It caused me to do a great deal of introspection and gave me motivation to continue a journey of improvement. I love this stuff.

Everyone needs to read this. Twice.

Would you listen to Integrity again? Why?

I would, and actually am listening to this twice; and so is my wife.

What did you like best about this story?

Cloud provides insights that are life-changing and practical. Unlike many authors today, Clouds delivers content that is unique and brilliant.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would definitely recommend listening to this book in several, not one sitting. Many of these concepts require time to absorb.

Any additional comments?

If you haven't listened to this yet. Do it now, and encourage your friends to listen to it also.

Fascinating and Yet Not New

For the last 5 years I worked for a large federal government organization. The experience made it clear to me that my concept of integrity was at odds with their concept of integrity. To me the, “It isn’t my problem”, mentality bordered on fraud. It was like selling a car you knew was unsafe, but claiming that it wasn’t your fault because safety wasn’t on the list of specifications. On the other hand they viewed risk as unethical, even what seemed to me to be healthy risks. It was, “Gambling with the taxpayer’s money”. Even if the sure thing was 10 or 100 times more expensive it was seen as the more honorable choice.

So I’m fascinated by what people choose to include in their list of components of integrity. Nothing in this list will be new. What’s interesting is what’s on the list and what’s not.

This list seems to be somewhere between the old economy and the new economy, between the Catholics and the Protestants, between the modernists and the traditionalists … I liked it.

Now if I could just find a group where others choose similar lists, I might be more successful. Which brings up a deeper question, how well will this map to your world? Sadly, I fear that in America we are in a highly polarized era where less nuanced, less cerebral concepts of integrity rule. Integrity is making the number (at any cost), integrity is a religious creed (literally), or integrity is loyalty (bureaucratic, institutional, or personal).

Integrity should be more like the author describes, but is it really?

Rambles About Many Character Issues But Integrity

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I really don't think anyone would enjoy the way this author writes. it's like someone asked him to start talking about people's personalities, he inhaled, and randomly started writing down his thoughts without editing. He jumps from topic to topic trying to be helpful. I am almost finished with my 2nd time through this audiobook. The author doesn't even clearly explain what he means by integrity - for him, "integrity" is some set of character traits that most people find desirable. There is no other ethics or psychology professional who defines it this way. It usually means that a person's actions are consistent over time and that they correlate with beliefs. The author does not seem to know this limited definition.

Has Integrity turned you off from other books in this genre?

No. Every genre has poor writers. This book is an outlier.

What didn’t you like about Henry Cloud’s performance?

There isn't much you can do to fix poor writing. He speaks with enthusiasm, but the content is just awful.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I figured if this guy can write a book and record the audio, so can I. I couldn't be worse.

Any additional comments?

Doctor Henry Cloud has a PhD in psychology from Biola University. Doctor Cloud seems to confuse integrity with charisma in several places. I suggest The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane. Now she is a true professional, and her audiobook is enjoyable.

I liked "Boundries for leaders" more

More complicated to listen, don't even know why, but information is legit. Last part was brilliant, though.

Brilliant

highly recommended for any and all leaders. brilliant! the principles taught will help you grow from wherever you are to where you need and want to be.

Great book!

Was much more than I thought. Great insights by Mr. Cloud as usual. Great read!

Thoroughly recommended

As part of training, I spotted a recommendation to read Integrity by Henry Cloud. Company training, especially reading, is generally deemed as mind-numingly boring but this time, it's jackpot! I'd say the book should be part of school curriculum and be studied and applied in every aspect of life at all stages.

Some of my favourite quotes are:
“Character = the ability to meet the demands of reality.”
“If people are really narcissistic or have a need to be seen as more than they really are, or to be admired as having it all together, then they cannot be followed and trusted by others.”
“The greatest people are the ones who have not sought greatness, but served greatly the causes, values, and missions that were much bigger than them.”
“some things are not going to move, and we are the smaller ship that must adjust our course and steer in a different direction if we are going to make it.”
“the difference between winners and losers is not that winners never lose. The difference is that winners lose well, and losers lose poorly.”