Leadership - Doing The Right Thing

I was having lunch with a good friend today and our conversation broached the differences between good people and people who behave poorly. It is a well-known trait that when the environment around people degrades so does human behavior. Likewise, when a company has problems the environment declines and you see difficulties ensue. When the leaders of those companies make poor choices or simply do not "do the right thing" it affects everyone. Many employees are keen to this and feel their leaders lose integrity and credibility by letting the problems make decisions for them. In the end, poor choices lead to losing more than you know and that loss centers on respect.

I have had numerous discussions about leadership with a good friend and colleague who is the Corporate Principal Project Manager at Arkema. He has decades of experience, is tough on expectations and generous to help or advise those with problems. I agree with him about company progress - that it is all about the team. Moreover, that it is our responsibilities as leaders to set examples for others, become mentors and pass forward the the knowledge you gained.

If you are in a leadership position, I encourage you to always do the right thing and set an example. After all, our environment changes and difficulties resolve themselves, leaving you with the reputation you earned with your own actions. The best practice for enduring problematic times is teamwork. That teamwork will depend on respect and trust. This is why leaders need to choose wisely and respect everyone down to the youngest employees. Resist speaking negatively about others and seek a positive way to resolve issues. If you cause someone harm or loss, make good on it no matter what the cost. Repay the loss and learn to apologize.

In a recent administrative position I became aware of one of my direct reports being hurt by a coworker. As a concerned leader I confronted the coworker carefully and with respect alerted this person to the problem. I was so impressed by the quick apology and desire for this person to make a personal apology that I knew the problem was solved. This person earned respect in spite of the problem caused. Never underestimate the power of apology. I have learned to go out of your way to take responsibility for problems even if they are not directly caused by you. This will build your character and others' trust in you.

We will all make mistakes. I like to tell people that I try to learn from my mistakes and I plan "to do a whole lot of more learning". It is not a person's values that make them a better person - it their behavior. For a moment, reflect on how you treat others and if you are a leader to "always do the right thing". If you see a problem occurring at home, at church, a gathering or in the office and you don't think you are a leader, then, you are missing the opportunity to become one.

In parting, I leave you with one of many examples "of doing the right thing" as an inspiration:

19 year old Joey Prusak is the manager of a Dairy Queen in Minnesota.  He was working during the lunch rush when a blind man in line dropped a $20 bill on the floor.  The woman in line next to the blind man quickly picked up the $20 and put it in her purse.  Joey was shocked.  When she got to the counter to order her lunch Joey told her that she would not be served until she returned the $20 to the blind man.  She refused and Joey asked her to leave. She did so only after creating a ruckus.

Not done with being a good person, Joey gave the blind man $20 out of his own pocket.  Equal to two hours of his gross pay.

Now watch the video. Pilot Out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xQwF3KtXxXA