8 behaviors a man of integrity would never display, according to psychology

Integrity – it’s a big word, isn’t it? It stands tall, like a lighthouse guiding us through the foggy mess that life can sometimes be.

When you think of a man of integrity, you probably imagine a guy who’s honest, reliable, and takes responsibility like a pro. But what about what he isn’t? It’s not all about the heroic stuff.

There are some behaviors that no self-respecting man of integrity would be caught doing. And we’re not just making this stuff up; psychology has got our back on this one.

So, let’s take a walk on the wild side and delve into the “not-to-do” list of integrity. We’re going to unpack those 8 behaviors that a true man of integrity would never display.

And hey, it might just give us all a bit of a reality check. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1) Dishonesty

Have you ever wondered what the most glaring red flag is when questioning a man’s integrity? It’s dishonesty.

A man of integrity would never resort to dishonesty. He values truth and transparency above all else, understanding that trust – once broken – is incredibly hard to repair.

Lying, manipulation, deceit – these are all foreign concepts to him. He communicates openly and honestly, even when the truth is uncomfortable or inconvenient.

This commitment to truthfulness defines his character and sets a strong foundation for all his relationships. It’s a testament to the respect he has for others and for himself. 

2) Lack of accountability

A man with integrity would never shirk responsibility or play the blame game.

He acknowledges his shortcomings and failures, understanding that they are an integral part of growth and development.

He doesn’t point fingers or shift the blame onto others, instead, he stands up and takes responsibility for his actions.

Let me share a personal example.

I once had a friend named John. He was the kind of guy who seemed to have it all – charm, intelligence, and charisma.

But there was one thing John lacked – accountability.

Whenever things went south, he’d always find someone or something else to blame. It was never his fault, according to him.

It became clear over time that John, despite his many admirable qualities, was missing a key component of integrity – the ability to take responsibility for his actions.

This behavior eventually cost him friendships and opportunities, underscoring the importance of accountability in maintaining personal and professional relationships. 

3) Disrespect towards others

No truer words have been spoken when it comes to defining the actions of a man with integrity.

He knows that respect is not a one-way street but rather a mutual exchange that should be extended to everyone—regardless of their rank, status, or differences.

As Laurence Sterne wisely said, “Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.”

A man of integrity would never belittle others, spread gossip, or engage in any form of disrespectful behavior.

He recognizes that everyone has their own journey, their own struggles, and their own stories, and he respects these individual paths.

He treats others with kindness and understanding, always looking to uplift rather than tear down.

4) Inconsistency

Picture this: You meet a guy who promises to always be there for you, who assures you that he values your friendship.

Yet, when you need him the most, he’s nowhere to be found.

Or imagine a colleague who commits to delivering a project by a specific deadline, but when the time comes, he doesn’t deliver and offers no explanation for his failure.

This is inconsistency, a behavior a man of integrity would never display. Integrity involves being reliable, sticking to one’s word, and fulfilling promises.

It demands consistency in actions and behaviors, regardless of the situation or the audience.

Oprah Winfrey captured this idea perfectly: “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.”

Actions speak louder than words for a man of integrity. To earn trust and respect, he proves himself through consistent behavior.

He avoids making promises he can’t keep and always strives to ensure his actions align with his words.

5) Negativity and pessimism

So let’s say you’re embarking on a new project or pursuing a personal goal.

You’re excited, pumped up, ready to give it your all. But then someone comes along and rains on your parade with their negativity and pessimism. Not exactly motivating, right?

This is another behavior a man of integrity avoids like the plague. He understands that negativity and pessimism bring down his spirits and affect those around him.

He chooses to be positive and optimistic, even in the face of challenges or setbacks.

Psychology tells us that positivity boosts our mood, reduces stress, and improves our overall well-being. It also promotes a healthier lifestyle and fosters resilience in the face of adversity.

A man of integrity chooses positivity over negativity. He looks for the silver lining in every situation because he knows that optimism is not just feeling good – it’s persevering through tough times with hope and resilience.

His positivity is not just an attitude; it’s a reflection of his integrity.

6) Lack of self-improvement

Imagine being content with the status quo, never seeking to challenge yourself or improve.

It’s difficult to envision because growth and self-improvement are essential parts of the human experience.

A man of integrity doesn’t settle for complacency or mediocrity. He is constantly seeking opportunities to learn, evolve, and improve.

He recognizes his weaknesses and actively works on them while appreciating his strengths without becoming arrogant.

Personal development, to him, is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. Gandhi’s words reflect this mindset: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

By focusing on his own growth, he also enhances his ability to contribute to the well-being of others and to society.

He believes that self-improvement has a ripple effect—bettering oneself not only leads to personal success but also positively influences those around him.

Growth, for him, is not a selfish pursuit but a means to inspire and uplift others as well.

7) Unfairness

A scenario where someone treats others differently based on their status, appearance, or personal favoritism reveals a clear sense of unfairness.

This kind of behavior is far removed from what one would expect from a man of integrity.

A man of integrity treats everyone with the same respect and dignity, regardless of their background or social standing.

He doesn’t exploit others or manipulate situations for personal advantage. Playing favorites or making biased decisions is never part of his approach.

His actions are driven by a sense of justice and equality, striving to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued.

For him, fairness is more than just treating everyone the same—it’s about understanding and recognizing individual needs and differences when necessary, making sure that equity, not just equality, is achieved.

8) Disregard for values and principles

Last but not least, a man of integrity would never disregard his values and principles. These are the bedrock of his character, the guiding compass that directs his actions and decisions.

A man of integrity understands that to compromise on these values is to compromise on his very identity.

He doesn’t sway with the wind or change his stance based on convenience or pressure. He stands firm, even when it’s not popular or easy.

He upholds his principles, even when no one is watching. He knows that true character is about being faithful to one’s values, especially in challenging situations.

For instance, if honesty is a value he holds dear, he will choose to speak the truth even when lying might be more convenient.

If he values respect, he will treat everyone with kindness and understanding, regardless of how they treat him.

So if you see someone who’s quick to abandon their values for short-term gains or peer approval, it’s a clear sign they lack integrity.

A man of integrity knows his values are not up for negotiation – they define him and guide his journey through life.