In this piece, college students can learn helpful tips on their career paths from the Managing Director of Amul (GCMMFL) Mr. R. S. Sodhi. Whether you plan on working for a company, starting your own business, or doing both, this video really helps to guide your career. One of the tips he mentions is a critical one for students, which was given to him by the founder of Amul and the father of India’s White Revolution Dr. Verghese Kurien.

What Does It Mean To Have Integrity?

This is a person’s ability to stand firm on their decisions, values, and principles. Integrity is defined as a person’s strong set of moral principles and values. Integrity is a measurable trait and can be seen in one’s actions as well as the life they have lived, so if upbringing, education, mental make-up, attitude, and aptitude to them is equal, integrity is key. Integrity is very important for a person who wants to achieve success professionally and be respected personally.

 Always Keep Your Promises Fully

Mr. Sodhi says, “Integrity is building blocks in which all promises culminate to a single purpose.” The crux of having integrity is always keeping your promises. Be it a meeting or even a casual promise, always ensure you have time and always endeavor to deliver on time. He further suggests tracking commitments by using Google Calendar and staying organized. Always deliver the promises you make on time because they will build your reputaion. Setting the right expectation with people is essential.

Tip: To help keep on track of your appointments and promises, set reminders on Google Calendar for each appointment.

 Honor Your Obligations

Showing up on time is also an important part of your value system. Try arriving at meetings before the agreed upon hour. If the meeting is set for 8 PM, make it a point to get to the venue by 7:50 PM. Your actions will reflect your commitment and respect for others’ time, showing your value.

Tip: Being a little early will never do you harm, rather, create a good impact.

 Train Yourself to Decline Requests

Particularly in Indian culture, the word ‘No’ can be difficult to utter. Understanding that “No” is sometimes necessary requires some practice to maintain one’s value is important. By saying ‘Yes’ to everything, you will end up overwhelmed with commitments and never actually being able to complete them. Saying ‘No’ allows you to prioritize things that truly matter and balance your workload.

Tip: Protect yourself from overcommitting by kindly letting others know that you cannot take on any more tasks.

 Analyze Your Responses in Adverse Situations.

Your responses to your challenging situations provide an insight into your character. For instance, what’s your reaction when your exams fail? What do you do when your parents scream at you? How do you handle confrontations at the workplace or among friends? You need to pay attention to these responses and work to modify them. Changing one’s behavior in challenging situations increases emotional regulation and integrity.

Tip: Pay attention to how you react to particular challenges and adjust your responses appropriately.

How Do You Perceive and Value Money?

Should money become the prime motivator of your work, be it as an employee or an entrepreneur, chances are you will fail at it. As Mr. Sodhi puts it, money will flow into the coffers, but it is the hard work that is paramount and the integrity to do it should come first. Attitude toward money is used to evaluate professionals and entrepreneurs. If the main focus is providing exceptional work and establishing trust, then profits are assured.

Tip: Providing value will always result in more money than you can imagine.

 Define Your Values and Vision

To have integrity, it is important to set the goals and vision you want to achieve in life. Ask yourself these questions:

• What draws you into a specific company?
• What contribution are you going to provide the company?
• What impact are you looking to achieve with your work for the world?

I suggest you jot down your vision and values in a daily planner to clarify them for yourself. This will also help you maintain focus and ensure your actions are aligned with what you truly believe in.

Tip: Consistently look back on your values and vision so you do not lose sight of what you want to achieve.

Stay Committed

It’s equally as important for integrity building to stick to your goals and path even when progress isn’t immediately clear. You may not have a huge salary to begin with or a mansion, but your constant commitment will be rewarding. Mr. Sodhi explains how sticking to goals and tasks will eventually get you where you want to be in life, quite often more than what you expected, despite difficulties along the way.

Tip: Stay committed to your path, and you will reap the necessary rewards at the right time.

In conclusion, nothing is more crucial than integrity in one’s personal and professional life. Consistently delivering on commitments, being punctual, learning to say “No,” improving your reactions, focusing on value instead of money, setting your own values, and remaining committed will go a long way in establishing a solid career. As Mr. R S Sodhi puts it, success is not about attaining something instantaneously, but upholding one’s integrity and remaining committed to the process.