I remember when I took on my first leadership role in Corporate America, it was a learning experience to say the least. Looking back, I can say I probably wouldn’t have won any “world’s most likable boss” awards if my team was doing the voting. Don’t get me wrong, I had my supporters and soldiers that would put in work for me, but I also had my share of detractors that wished I were a “kinder gentler” boss. Since then I’ve learned some lessons and even matured, but as I look back, and even look at my life today, I’m comfortable knowing that when there is a job to be done, you just have to stand firm on your convictions; even if it ruffles a few feathers.
Don’t Just Go Along To Get Along
I don’t have any other way to put it, except – this world is filled with too many “yes men” (and women)! Too many people that don’t have standards and convictions or are willing to abandon them to be popular or liked. Life is not a popularity contest; unless you’re still in junior high school. But sadly, many people would rather acquiesce to what someone else believes so they can be liked, rather than stand firm on their convictions and make a difference. So what you end up with is, people that keep quiet and just go along, rather than speaking truth to power, even when something is wrong. If you really want to make a difference in others’ lives and in this world, don’t just sit idly by because it’s convenient; be committed to accountability, integrity, and truth. Otherwise, as the saying goes “if you’re not a part of the solution; you’re a part of the problem”!
In Life and In Business…
I recently did some web design for a friend and client. He is the Broker/Owner of Integrity Real Estate Services in Philadelphia, PA. In our first meeting, when he was giving me a tour of his offices and explaining his business model and so forth, he said something that will stick with me and has had a great impact on my life. He told me his tagline and slogan for his business; “In Life and in Business Integrity Still Matters”. It’s such a simplistic, yet powerful statement, I’ve carried it everywhere I’ve gone. Unfortunately, the reason it is a powerful statement is because today people seem to lack both integrity and ethics. Whether its business, social life, ministry, family life, etc., people’s decision making seems to be skewed and too often driven by ulterior motives. The bottom line is, if you truly believe you are here to make a difference, your life has to reflect that.
2013 can be a very productive and rewarding year for you. But understand you have two choices. You can stand firm and make a difference or you can want everyone to like you. God called me and placed His anointing on my life for a reason, so I live my life by a few F’s… No, not the one you were thinking bout, lol. As long as I have my Family, Friends, Frat and Faith in my God… I’m good! I’ll make a difference and change lives. Which will you choose?