Values

It seems the more that time passes (I get older), the more I think about what I’m made of, how I conduct myself, and my relationships with others. Those of you who have followed my articles and blog know that my contention is: HOW we do things is as important as WHAT we do.

Clearly as we gain experience we sometimes learn the hard way, but learn we do. Learning is often a product of the way our parents raised us. Perhaps we were blessed with a strong mentor or relative in our formative years. Or a strong faith. But some how, some way, we made decisions as to who we were, and how we would conduct ourselves.

Simply put, our values were planted within, and, in some way shape or form, matured. But that doesn’t mean that the garden just grew and flourished without any weeds. And just as we cultivate our flowers and vegetables in minimizing weeds and fertilizing, we personally flourish if we will do that with our value driven actions.

My writing, as my consulting, is driven toward the top executive. Accordingly, I’d like to challenge you: What do you do to ensure that you are still growing as you mature? How driven are you to get better each day? Isn’t that what you expect of your people?

Here are some thoughts and possibilities that have helped me find answers. Please consider them:

• Who or what is your God? By God I mean, what is the most important thing in your life right now? Is it your business? Your wife or husband? Your children and/or grandchildren? Money? Or your faith? Are you happy with your choice?  The answer to the above will drive your values and your actions. Choose well.

• Where and how do you spend your time and money? Where you are here is where your heart is.

• Do you spend REAL time with your employees? By real I mean walking the shop floor as well as the office area, and engaging them. What are their hopes and fears? What do they want out of life? Can you help them get it?

• Can you really let go? Do you allow your folks to solve their own problems, or must you control everything? Do you think you are always the smartest person in the room? Let your people fail faster so they can develop into something special.