Lack of Integrity

Stephen R. Covey

Once I was at the Canadian border, and I went into this store where there was a "half-price sale" going on. I started looking at a leather coat marked 50 percent off. I was the only customer in the store, but there were two salespeople and the owner-manager.

The manager said to me, "What a deal this is." He really sold me on it. The coat fit me well, and I liked it. I then said to him, "Even with this discount, it could be expensive. How much duty would I have to pay?" He said, "None. You don't have to pay anything on this." I said, "Well, it says on the customs form that I must declare everything I purchase abroad." He said, "Don't worry about it. Just wear it. Everyone else does it."

I said, "But I signed the form." He said, "Listen, mister, everyone does it. They won't even ask you questions. Just wear the coat when you cross the border. Don't worry about it." And I said, "Well, the thing that worries me most is what these two gentlemen behind you might think now about how you will deal with them on matters of commission, career training, and things of this nature." The manager and the two salespeople all blushed.

Click here to read 'Be Loyal To Those Absent' by Stephen R. Covey.

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About the Author

Over his lifetime, Stephen inspired millions with the power of universal principles. As he traveled the globe many times over, his message was a simple one: for true success and meaning in life, we must be principle-centered in all areas of life. A teacher at heart, he often taught, "There are three constants in life: change, choice and principles." From the oval office, the board room, community halls and to the school house and family room, Stephen taught the mindset, skillset and toolset found in The 7 Habits of Highly effective people, his seminal work. His legacy is woven in The 7 habits, and, just as these habits are universal and timeless, so is Stephen R. Covey, who is admired around the world for his simple, yet powerful, universal, timeless teachings. Recognized as one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Americans, Stephen R. Covey was one of the world’s foremost leadership authorities, organizational experts, and thought leaders.
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