There are some intangible concepts that we, as people, don’t generally allow much thought. We believe things without question but then there are other things that we believe without thought. We believe that we know who we are and what we expect of ourselves. Without openly stating or writing down these self expectations we have no standards to which we should hold ourselves. For that reason, I’ve compiled the following list.
I’ve been in leadership roles in working situations as well as with friends and at school. I know that as long as I keep a few things in mind I can be confident in my decisions. The ultimate goal of this leadership philosophy is to hold me accountable for my actions and to explain the thought processes from which I make my leadership decisions.
My greatest fear is that I will be a failure or a disappointment to my friends and family. For that reason, I will do everything that I possibly can to ensure that my decisions are based on facts, research and, most importantly, what is in my heart. I expect the same of you.
The most difficult things that I’ve had to do in my professional life made drastic impacts on other peoples’ lives. I have had to lay people off and cut hours and pay based on performance and funding. The decisions made and actions that were taken were for the betterment of the companies for which I’ve worked. I will always act in the best interest of the organization unless these actions will cause me to cross a moral line. I will not do anything for anyone or any organization that will compromise my beliefs and values. I expect the same of you.
It is important to me that I take things seriously without being too serious. The latter is one of the most difficult things that I will have to do. Taking things too seriously causes unnecessary worry and stress. I want to minimize these things in my life. I will try to find the humor in the direst of situations and use it to propel me toward a positive outcome. I expect the same of you.
It only takes one person to start a spiral of negativity. I will be positive in all situations and find the best even in the worst of events. I expect the same of you.
I believe in the good of people. I spent my formative years in the Boy Scouts where being trustworthy and loyal are among the tenets of the Scout Law. For that reason I give my trust to everyone until I’ve been given a reason to believe otherwise. In return, I will be honest and up front in all aspects of my life. I expect the same of you.
Passing the buck is not an option and I do not believe in making excuses. Sometimes things get in the way of accomplishments or a job well done. A reason or explanation is not an excuse. I will take responsibility for whatever I do or fail to do. I expect the same of you.
I want to be the best that I can at everything that I attempt but I will make mistakes. If I don’t learn from these mistakes I will surely repeat them. I will try things that are out of my comfort zone and when I fail I will learn from my errors and grow. I expect the same of you.
As hard as I may try there will be things that I can’t do as well as other people. I will make it a point to turn to others when I’m faced with a problem or situation for which the solution lies beyond my expertise. I will actively seek out the knowledge and opinions of others. I expect the same of you.
My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I know that I have to work to support them but I will never put work ahead of family obligations or special occasions. Also, I will never expect anyone that I am leading to do so.
Far too many businesses and members of management take credit for their employees’ work. I will always share the glory with my staff and will take the brunt of the blame when things go awry. I expect the same of you.
I have been taken advantage of by a number of people. These are people who have subsequently lost my respect and trust. I will always do my fair share and never expect a free ride. I expect the same of you.
I will make every effort seek out the talents of those who I lead and cultivate them so that the people around me can grow.
These are the things that I expect of myself and of others. If I’m not doing something or if I contradict what I’ve said here, let me know. I probably don’t realize it. These are good guidelines and I want to be sure that I’m holding up my end of the bargain.
If you do the following you will lose my respect:
Waste my time.
Place blame where it doesn’t belong.
Lie to me or someone I care about.
Mistake my kindness for weakness and try to exploit it.
Steal from me or someone I care about.
Twist the truth to suit your own needs or wants.
Plagiarize.
Small wonder we get along. You sound very much like my old military self. Which of course carried over to civilian life.
Nice piece.
Very well put. Another very well written post. Haven’t been here in a while. So many things get in the way but I alway enjoy reading your posts. You put a lot of things in perspective for all your readers.
Great job.
Chas – God bless the small wonders.
Dave – I appreciate your comment. My hope is that folks will be touched by my writing or possibly be able to take something away and relate in some way.