Integrity in a busy world

Have you noticed that many people seem to forget they have a choice between what is "right" and what is "expedient" in their busy lives?

It is often much easier to make decisions based on short term gain rather than considering the impact over time of every decision made. Of course, there is often no problem with this - that building business and dealing with others is clean and honest. But do you sometimes compromise your values and forget or let slide your usual attitudes to ethics, professional etiquette, respect, integrity and morality?

What would you say if your children behaved towards their peers in the way that you behave in your business? Do you demonstrate what you want them to emulate?

I believe that most people justify what they do, that they make it OK to do everything they choose. Whether it is stepping up and taking responsibility openly or managing to self-talk themselves through decisions and actions that would in other situations be abhorrent for them seems to be a moot point.

It would be glib to suggest that we can all do better and that we should - but perhaps the bigger question is what do we do to hold our ground in face of the onslaught?

I think we need to be very clear about how we want to be remembered - and then every choice and decision we make can be a step towards that.

Taking Responsibility

President Barack Obama in his inaugural address said "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, ... that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world...."

Many people and organisations are talking about taking appropriate responsibility - particularly in light of the current number of corporate collapses. We are asking how did this happen, and who is responsible - the Government, the CEO, the Board of Directors? The list is long ...



It seems to me that many of us believe that we are taking responsibility, but we are kidding ourselves. We go through the motions of taking responsibility, but don't follow through.

For example, many of us know the consequences of over indulgence - but we continue to over indulge. We don't follow the exercise programs we know help to maintain our health, and live lifestyles that are potentially more damaging than supportive. If we seek medical attention when we are sick, but do not take the medicine as prescribed, or complete the exercise program, are we truly taking responsibility?

Our reasons for not taking full responsibility are varied:

• The task might seem too hard,
• We might lack the necessary resources,
• We might have other responsibilities,
• We might be distracted, or
• We might just want a break.

I believe that one of the differences between elite performers - whether they are athletes, business people or world leaders is their ability to take appropriate responsibility - they own their roles in life and do not shirk away from them. They do not fill their time with other peoples' responsibilities - they know how to delegate, and how to stay true. They focus on the big picture and remember that the details are important to achieve success.

This ability to accept full and appropriate responsibility is a true gift. If it doesn't come naturally to you it can be learned.

In Summary:
Next time you find yourself avoiding completing a task, ask:
Who is responsible? Do it or Delegate.
When is it due? Acknowledge and Agree.
What is required? Source and Resource.
How will you know when it is completed appropriately? Refine, Report and Record.

Remember to consider the appropriateness of every step.

PR: wait... I: wait... L: wait... LD: wait... I: wait... wait... Rank: wait... Traffic: wait... Price: wait... C: wait...