2-Minute Monday Motivator: Quick Inspiration To Start Your Week...

Doing Right When It Counts Most: 

The tragic horror at Penn State is rattling cages everywhere. What happened to those kids is inhuman, deplorable, appalling. Youthful innocence robbed; emotional scars carried into adulthood. Others were violated too: parents, law enforcement. The irresponsibility runs deep. This is leadership at its ugliest. 

Questions For You: 

Had you been in this leadership chain — as discoverer who witnessed the act, as head coach, the next-level administrators, or university president — what would you have done? 

Don’t be hasty in your answer. These were reputable and admired men known to be of high morale fiber who made a thousand right choices, now accountable for one unconscionable decision. Would you have been tempted to do what they did? To help a friend? To protect an institution? To keep your job? If something heinous happens tomorrow in your organization, will you come forward? How high will you go? How insistent will you be? 

Actions For You: 

Soul-search this one deeply. Many people who would quickly report the crime of a stranger, would hesitate if friend or family were guilty. Would you?  Your core values should be your firm guidepost, no matter who is involved. It can be painful. Yes, you may lose a friend or loved one. A colleague of mine, Pat Murray, uses this litmus test. He says, ask yourself: When this whole problem is resolved and done, what stories do I want people telling about me?  Let your answer guide your actions. It will keep you on the integrity path. Remember, Bernie Madoff’s own sons turned him in. 

Power Thought: “Sometimes we judge ourselves by our good intentions. But we are judged (by others) by our last worst act.”  Spoken by Tom Selleck’s character on TV’s ‘Blue Bloods’ (and a slight modification of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s original quote).

Want More?  To learn about Rick Houcek’s full range of strategic planning, goal setting, and leadership coaching services and products — specifically for entrepreneurs, CEOs, presidents, senior executives, managers, team leaders, and other high achievers — visit www.SoarWithEagles.com. 

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