Welcome to Integrity: The Best Foundation, the book and video series designed to help you live and lead with integrity.

Today, we're going to continue our study on the Pillar of Influence.

Do you remember Joe Jacobson? Do you know what happened when his brothers threw him into the pit, and after that? Some people say, "Well, he hit rock bottom."

He sure did. The storyteller doesn't tell us what went on when Joe was in the pit, but something must have happened in his heart and mind that would become evident in the days ahead. I think, there, Joe realized that his greatest problem was himself. So he committed to change. He emerged from that terrible ordeal, not as a victim, but as one who would overcome his challenges. No longer was he arrogant and self-serving. Joe Jacobson was no longer parading around in a colourful coat, but now he would come with a character that shifted towards integrity.

Now, as I read Joe's story, I marvel at the man that arrives in Egypt, now humble, thoughtful and diligent. How could this fellow possibly be the same Joe that we met just a few chapters earlier?Indeed, he's the same person. But he's changed his lifestyle; and when he defined his problem and admitted his problem, he could address his problem.

And the good news is, every one of us can do the same. We can change. We're not a victim. We can transform, and become a better version of ourselves, and a better leader.

Now, early in the story of Joe Jacobson, a lack of character cost him everything. Later, he shifts his ways, and he uses his influence for the good of others; and the trajectory of his life, it improves. In time, his integrity would enable him to help more people than he could have ever imagined.

So let me ask you: How did Joe Jacobson develop this kind of influence after such a bad start? How did he begin to use his influence for the good of others, instead of just for his own selfish benefit? Well, let me give you five influence builders:

The first one is character: There is no substitute for character. Your position in an organization prompts people to lend you their hands, but it's your moral authority that will inspire them to lend you their hearts. Remember the story of the grocery store? The team chose me to be their leader, because of my character. What people look for most and desire most in a leader is character, integrity.

The second thing is competency.

Now, Joe began to use his skills and gifts in a new way. He stopped being manipulative and controlling. Joe always had the Midas touch, which means everything he touched prospered. But now, he is no longer complacent about his personal performance. And after this experience in the pit, being good enough is not good enough. He will no longer use his skill and his gifts in an average way. He will begin to be guided by character; and that character would empower him to an unfaltering success.

The third thing is commitment. People of integrity do the right thing, even if it inconveniences their plans, even if acting with integrity is the more difficult approach, even if integrity demands sacrifice, even if integrity requires commitment, and that commitment is unpopular. Joe Jacobson determined, "I'm going to do the right thing, even if it costs me." He made a life-changing commitment, and according to the narrative, he turned to God to help him with that commitment.

The fourth thing that helped him build his leadership was courage. Courage empowers us to do the right thing.

Courage is not the absence of fear. Joe faced some fears, but courage triumphs over fears.

There's a famous Latin proverb that says, "Fortune favours the bold"; and the courageous discover that, in a lifestyle of integrity, eventually, integrity pays off. It did for Joe, and it will for you.

Lastly, confidence.

So, Joe Jacobson's confidence was not in his position. I know this because in the story, Joe lost his colourful coat twice. First time, his brothers stripped it from him. The second time, a woman by the name of Potiphar's wife ripped it from him. Both times, he lost his coat, which is a symbol of leadership. And yet, Joe knew that "You can take my coat, but you can't take my character."

Integrity does not always produce immediate results, or even the expected or desired outcomes, immediately. But Joe Jacobson's story is a reminder that eventually your influence, if it's guided by integrity, will pay off. And a lack of integrity will ultimately have huge consequences.