Integrity

integrity (ɪnˈtɛɡrɪtɪ)
— n
1.	adherence to moral principles; honesty
2.	the quality of being unimpaired; soundness
3.	unity; wholeness

(from the World English Dictionary)

 

When most of us go to market to purchase something we do so with a healthy dose of skepticism and caution so as not to fall victim to misinformation, veiled promises, misleading advertising and unscrupulous pitchmen. At least until we have gained a level of trust with the vendor and satisfaction with the product or service purchased. Our conditioning to this behavioral posture comes from prior negative experience ourselves or the lessons learned by others.
 

At times it can seem that integrity has been wrenched from the business proposition – that is, to be 'successful' in business comes at the expense of ethical behavior. The age-old-adage “its business, not personal” somehow is supposed to excuse unethical behavior. This attitude seems to have infiltrated every aspect of society, and perhaps nowhere more evident than in government. It is disconcerting to find it increasingly difficult to trust the interests and leadership of those governing us. In difficult times integrity is more important than ever but, unfortunately, desperation tends to move people to higher levels of unethical behavior. As times become more challenging inexcusable behavior can become rampant.

 

The integrity of individual or group behavior can be assessed only after it has been experienced, and attested to by those experiencing it. It stands to reason the best way to quantify the integrity of behind any proposition is to identify and consult anyone that can provide credible prior experience. In lieu of such testimony we will rely on our own intuition and discernment, ultimately making a decision of faith.

 

Not surprisingly, integrity is the cornerstone of our company's value proposition and underpins every aspect of our business. You can expect it. You deserve it. Accept nothing less.

Celebrate freedom of choice!

This coming September 1st our company will celebrate it's 36th anniversary. I remember joining the Oberlander companies early in 1977 when the communications division was a fledgling operation made possible by the opportunities created when AT&T  split up its monopolistic hold on the telecommunications industry. The intent of this historic move was to create an environment that would foster competitive alternatives in an otherwise stagnant, monolithic industry and result in benefits typically manifest by a free-market. Conusmers in turn - not providers - would determine the value of products and services by excercising their freedom of choice at the point of consumption. It was a brilliant and warranted plan though, arguably, sometimes painful in execution.

Freedom of choice is one of those privileges I excercise, and take for granted, daily. From beginning each morning choosing whether or not to get out bed with the alarm, to deciding if  a blanket is needed when settling in for the night - a day's activity is an endless series of choices bookended by slumber's bliss.

Our forefathers fought tirelessly to guarantee that we would always be free to make our own choices, to pursue our interests and seek our destiny. I love how our manufacturers respond to customers' needs and desires. I can pretty much guarantee that a solution exists to virtually any challenge. And most of the time there are mutilple solutions from which to choose. It typically becomes a matter of ferreting out the best choice. It's what I love to do. I'm anxious to see what happens in the next 36 years!