“He’s done it again,” Molly sobbed. “Joe changed my project role without even talking to me. That man has no integrity at all.”

The tears were a surprise; Molly was always so positive and upbeat. Both Ryan and Molly had been laid off from big company jobs and took up freelance consulting work until the economy improved. They had met at the local coffee shop, becoming fast friends and confidantes given the similarity of their career paths.

“Are you going to talk to him about it?” Ryan inquired as he sipped his coffee, knowing that Molly had invested hundreds of unpaid hours on this business venture with Joe. This wasn’t the first time she had sought his counsel on the best way to handle a problem with Joe.

“I already did,” Molly replied, having regained her composure. “I phoned him last night and asked what was up.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he forgot what he had told me about being responsible for handling all the social media work,” Molly sighed. “You know, I want this project to work so much I think I’m ignoring important warning signs.”

Molly had met Joe through a mutual business associate. Joe had an idea for a series of financial management workshops. He had assembled a small group of volunteers who were working pro bono, hoping to share equally in the reward when the workshops were released to the public.

Ryan smiled ruefully, “Molly, we had this same discussion last month when he left you holding the bag for that $800 contract that he promised to reimburse you for and then didn’t.”

“I know, Ryan,” said Molly. “I just think these workshops are such a good idea with the recession having impacted so many people. But the group involved, well, we’re constantly picking at one another because Joe promises the same work to each of us, then reneges.”

“Come on, Molly, put on your business hat. What does that say about Joe?”

“At first I thought it was just quirky forgetfulness because he had so many things going on. But now…” Molly’s voice trailed off.

“But now what?”

“I believe there’s an integrity issue,” Molly replied.

“Say more.”

“Ryan, I feel really stupid for not seeing the danger signals before. Joe is a smooth operator, and I think he’s pulled us into the project for what we can do for him. He never apologizes for the role changes, just shrugs his shoulders or changes the subject. When he adds another person to the group whom he thinks can do a better job for him, then he just goes for it with them, despite what he promised to someone else. Plus he never tells us what he’s done, so we find out the hard way when we’re jumping on each other’s work.”

“So what do you think you need to do?” asked Ryan.

“Integrity is too important to be taken so lightly, so is being considerate of commitments made to people,” Molly replied. “I guess I had my eyes on that elusive future prize and lost sight of what’s truly important. I know what I need to do.”

“And that is what?”

“Leave the project group. I can’t even call it a team because we don’t work together. Joe’s unethical approach to doling out his favor, but promising the financial moon when this work comes off, has us all pitted against each other.”

“And how does this decision make you feel?” posed Ryan.

“I feel sad about all the hours invested yet this is the right thing to do. Ryan, thanks for helping me sort this out and for supporting me all along. I know you think I should have bailed a long time ago, but I needed to work it through for myself.”

“Molly, that’s what friends do. They help you until you’re ready to see the answer.”

Do you have any “Joe” or “Molly” or “Ryan” stories about integrity to share?

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