In a world where "accountability" often triggers defensiveness, how can we approach this concept without feeling like we're under attack? What if integrity holds the key? In a recent interview with Jeffrey Klubeck, author and founder of The Integrity Game, this question is explored with humor, insight, and practical advice. Klubeck’s approach is rooted in the belief that integrity, when properly understood, can transform how individuals, teams, and cultures approach accountability in a way that is both non-threatening and empowering.
Why Accountability Often Feels Like an Attack
Accountability is one of those concepts that can feel like a pointed finger.
As Klubeck notes, "In my experience, most people are going to consider accountability to be an attack when they’re not ready to be 100% responsible for their own behavior."
This defensiveness stems from a natural ego response that many people have when faced with their shortcomings or when they're asked to step up.
Klubeck’s solution? Shift the focus from accountability to integrity, but not in the way most people understand it. The traditional definitions of integrity—such as "doing the right thing when no one is watching" or "being true to your word"—while valid, don't capture the full picture. According to Klubeck, these interpretations are good, but they aren’t enough.
Rethinking Integrity: It’s About Integration
The heart of Klubeck's philosophy lies in the integration of our actions, words, and values. As he humorously points out, "Despite the fact that [integrity and integration] start with the same six letters, not one of you entrepreneurs uses the word ‘integration’ when asked what integrity is." The insight here is profound: integrity isn't just about moral uprightness or sticking to our commitments—it's about how well we integrate our intentions, actions, and values into a cohesive whole.
Klubeck offers a ten-point model that invites individuals and organizations to "retrofit" themselves, ensuring they can withstand the pressure tests of life and business. By focusing on behavior rather than just good intentions or values, the integrity game shifts the emphasis to tangible outcomes, helping people move from abstract ideals to actionable steps.
The Ten-Point Model: Building Structural Integrity in Your Life
Klubeck’s integrity game is more than just a metaphor; it’s a structured approach to personal and professional development. The model includes key elements like purpose, gifts, potential, goals, and strategies—all designed to ensure that our actions align with our values and intentions.
One of the model's central pillars is purpose.
As Klubeck explains, "When we start with purpose, then all of the decisions that we make are going to be filtered through that answered question."
This clarity of purpose serves as the foundation upon which everything else is built, guiding decisions and ensuring consistency.
Another critical point is the role of words and commitments. It’s not just about "doing what you said you’d do" but about understanding why you commit to certain things and how you manage those commitments. Klubeck emphasizes that we often overcommit in an attempt to please others or be seen as dependable, leading to stress and a loss of integrity when we fail to follow through. By refining our relationship with our word and being more mindful of our commitments, we can build stronger personal and professional integrity.
Can Integrity Transform Accountability?
The answer, according to Klubeck, is a loud yes. By reframing integrity as a game that focuses on integration rather than judgment, Klubeck makes accountability less threatening and more accessible. In this approach, accountability becomes a natural outcome of living with integrity. As he puts it, "The goal of the integrity game is to help individuals, teams, and organizations arrive at non-threatening accountability."
This transformation is essential because it shifts the focus from blame to growth, allowing individuals to look inward, align their actions with their values, and take responsibility without feeling attacked. "If I’m going to commit to my own integrity, I figure I’ll invite the world to play with me," Klubeck says, highlighting the collaborative and inclusive nature of his approach.
How to Play the Integrity Game
For those interested in diving deeper, Klubeck offers group coaching sessions, a comprehensive workbook, and access to a community of like-minded individuals committed to this journey. Participants engage in a 90-day challenge where they explore each of the ten points in the model, guided by subject matter experts and supported by peer accountability.
The structure is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to go at their own pace while benefiting from regular check-ins and new insights. The combination of humor, practical wisdom, and actionable steps makes the integrity game a refreshing approach to personal development and team dynamics.
Key Takeaways
The integrity game isn't just about improving accountability—it's about integrating every aspect of your life so that your actions align with your purpose, values, and commitments. By focusing on behavior rather than just ideals, Klubeck’s model provides a practical framework for individuals and organizations to strengthen their structural integrity.
If you’re ready to transform your approach to accountability and start playing the integrity game, consider joining the next round of Klubeck’s 90-day challenge. By doing so, you’ll not only retrofit yourself against life’s pressure tests but also contribute to building a culture of integrity in your workplace and community. As Klubeck reminds us, "Anything out of integrity invites everything else to be out of integrity." Why not take the first step toward integrating your life and work with purpose and intention?
Learn More and Get Started
Explore more about The Integrity Game by visiting the official site here. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone looking to align your life with your values, this game offers a unique and engaging way to achieve non-threatening accountability through integrity.
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