GOOD INTENTIONS
The business owner cashes a company check even though that day there are not company funds to cover it. However they cash it at one bank because they know the next day funds from credit card transactions would clear in the issuing bank.
The project manager commits to a timeframe they know is virtually impossible.
The hiring manager stretches the truth to motivate a job candidate to join their company.
The marketing person writes a benefit about their company's solutions that is not totally true.
The sales person... lies all the time, but feels the statements are minor embellishments.
Each of these people have "good intentions," although clearly some have more integrity
than others.
No, I am not sharing something you told me recently. This is a history of people I have worked with, for and been myself over the last 36 years in business.
THE CHALLENGE: How do you make the best decisions instead of ones that lead to failure? How can good character be a consistent standard in your company - a boundary that cannot be crossed?
1. Have clear company values and enforce them, like my client who fired someone for failing a drug test for marijuana.
2. Develop a habit of making decisions, using words, taking actions, and responding to others based on your company values. For instance you could say,
"Well, based on our company value of _____, I think we should do _____________." Or,
"What do you think we should do based on our company values?"
3. Slow down your speech and actions to consider them against your values. (Not the same as #2. You can do #2 too fast with good intentions and still lack the character you want to demonstrate. Unfortunately I know this from personal experience.)
I could go on, but you get my point... right?
P.S. There are many holidays this season. I hope you make the time to be thankful and have a lot of healthy laughter no matter what you are celebrating.
Remember...
You Are An Intentional Leader.
David Russell, CEO
