Integrity

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.

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

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.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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?

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

I liked "Boundries for leaders" more

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

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great book!

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

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Could have been a Ted talk

Good content, but not very memorable. Would have worked well in a Ted Talk or podcast format instead of a whole book.

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.”