No Hidden Agendas

No hidden agendas. Integrity is being upfront, truthful and transparent. There is no room for hidden agendas in the virtue of integrity.

Let's be clear. Everyone 𝙝𝙖𝙨 an agenda. The word 'agenda' seems to get a bad rap as if having a goal, plan or strategy is somehow bad or wrong. What does feel slimy is when one agenda is presented and lurking behind it is the REAL agenda, a hidden scheme, a deception to hide the real purpose of the meeting, conversation, request, etc.

Everyone 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 have an agenda. We should know why we are meeting, why we are seeking partnership, or why we are making the request. The ick-factor presents when the agenda that is presented is a false narrative and there is a 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 agenda. Be clear about what your motive is and act accordingly.

So why does it matter? If your intention is to climb the ladder at all cost, to get your way no matter what, or if you think the ends justify the means, move on -- this post isn't for you. But if your intention is to be a person of integrity, take note of these tips:

✔️ 𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. If you are seeking a partnership be clear as to why. If you are asking for a favor, be upfront with your motives. When you make a decision be honest about the reasons for it. Don't withhold information to create a false narrative. If you can't be truthful lest someone 'find you out' then you aren't acting as a person of integrity.

✔️ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. Avoid partnering with people who have hidden motives. If they will conspire 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 you, they will conspire 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 you. Protect your own reputation, integrity and character by aligning with people of good character.

✔️ 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. Don't nurture an environment that rewards hidden agendas. Acknowledge and reward honesty and transparency. As a leader you set the standard so create a culture that calls out hidden motives and doesn't inadvertently support them.

✔️ 𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵. Make sure you act in good faith and guard against even the appearance of impropriety. Document well. Have good practice of two or three eyes on everything and two or three people witnessing decisions and conversations.

We will all likely come across people with hidden agendas. When you encounter them, be wise and shrewd. Exercise caution but don't join the game. Stand your ground, friend. Your character of integrity is worth it.