Integrity is yet another attribute of extraordinary individuals. Integrity-abiding individuals prove they can be trusted because their inner values never waver, demonstrating that they’re exemplary because of their unshakable ethics and honesty. Some go above and beyond to display their commitment to integrity, even when it’s contrary to their own self-interest.

For instance, Andy Roddick, the No. 1 seed at the Rome Masters in 2008, identified an inbound mark on the clay made by the ball he’d hit. This led to his victory being overturned. Roddick’s ethics were so thoroughgoing that he was willing to risk a loss in order to do the right thing. The beyond-the-call-of-duty honesty made him recognizable as an upstanding individual. Often, individuals with integrity bring that trait to the workplace, making it a richer and more dependable workplace for everyone.

Extraordinary people ultimately win by making the right and, sometimes, difficult decisions. They win because integrity Is the backbone of character and strength.

“An Introduction to Integrity” is the fifth post in a series published around the “Dare To Be Extraordinary” address, shared at the independently organized TED event, TEDx Adelphi University. The preceding pieces are “An Introduction to Extraordinary,” “An Introduction to Passion,” “An Introduction to Courage,” and “An Introduction to Resilience.” 

Christine M. Riordan, PhD, is the 10th president of Adelphi University in New York. Her writing focuses on diversity and inclusion, leadership effectiveness, and career success. Follow her on Twitter at @Chris_M_Riordan.

Embracing your inherent “extraordinary” nature can be difficult.

If it wasn’t, there would be no conversations around the questioning of confidence and esteem, and there would be no short supply of brazen and bold individuals who are fearless and ready to do something that’s outside of the realm of ordinary. The act of embracing “extraordinary,” daring oneself to be something or do something outside of one’s comfort zone can be revolutionary, it can be remarkable.

Consider what the word extraordinary means: special, exceptional, and unique –and that’s just to name a few. That’s a word that’s often applied to heroes, leaders, game changers, entertainers, and political greats. For more than two decades, I’ve conducted research on leaders, and about 8 years ago I found that these leaders and heroes all have five ordinary things in common: passion, integrity, courage, resilience, and confidence.

These five traits can be practiced independently, but as a collection, these items fuel success. Passion is instrumental for work and life. Integrity is essential for trust in personal and professional relationships; courage is necessary for overcoming obstacles; and resilience is the buoyancy, allowing you to bounce back when knocked down. Finally, confidence, the most fortified attribute, is precious and important for acceleration and sustainability.

“An Introduction to Extraordinary” is the first post in a series published around the “Dare To Be Extraordinary” address, shared at the independently organized TED event, TEDx Adelphi University. The pieces that follow are “An Introduction to Extraordinary,” “An Introduction to Passion,” “An Introduction to Courage,” “An Introduction to Resilience,”  “An Introduction to Integrity” and “An Introduction to Confidence.” 

Christine M. Riordan, PhD, is the 10th president of Adelphi University in New York. Her writing focuses on diversity and inclusion, leadership effectiveness, and career success. Follow her on Twitter at @Chris_M_Riordan.