Personal Guiding Principles

There are basic principles of effective living, and that people can only experience true success and enduring happiness as they integrate these principles into their basic character.  Guiding principles, or values, give us a basic foundation from which to make decisions and take actions in an ever increasingly complex and changing world.  Guiding principles will help you take the “high road” in your dealings with others.  In effect, they become your “compass” for living your life by the highest standards and ideals.

5  GUIDING PRINCIPLES

I. LEADERSHIP

Leadership is not, and should not be, the sole exclusive domain of the enterprise (e.g. market share) or senior executives.  Each individual in the organization is responsible for leadership – personal leadership within their area and scope of responsibility. Leaders tend to:

• Value relationships and commitment
• Create and articulate a vision
• Generate a positive “can do” attitude that inspires and motivates
• Have an insatiable appetite to improve themselves
• Mentor and coach others – create other leaders

II. GROWTH

We are all aware of the growth metrics for an organization (e.g. revenue, sales units), but in terms of a guiding principle, what is being referred to here is a mind set – a growth mindset directed at:

• Continuous improvement
• Finding new innovative and creative ways to grow
• Determination to make “things” happen
• Working hard and smart with a sense of urgency
• Never giving up and getting it done
• Acknowledging, accepting and making change
• A burning passion to grow..........

............... not only the organization but yourself as well!

III. RESPECT FOR PEOPLE

Treat people, as you would like to be treated – with respect and dignity. To optimize relationships:

• Develop person-to-person relationships
• Display genuine interest in people
• Show appreciation – the power of a sincere thank you

IV. HONESTY & INTEGRITY

Simply stated – always, always, always do the right thing!

Live your life by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.  Throughout your career you will be tempted to do the expedient, to shade the truth, or violate ethical principles.  Stand firm, don’t waiver and you will be able to look back at your accomplishments with pride and satisfaction, for you will have succeeded by doing things the right way without violating the trust others had given you.  More than anything else, your legacy will be that you inspired others to live their lives in a similar fashion. Demonstrate integrity by:

• Doing what you say you will do
• Keeping confidential information, confidential
• Accepting responsibility for mistakes
• Never lying or being deceitful

V. FUN

Life is not a dress rehearsal.  Live every day with passion, enjoyment and enthusiasm. Be a positive influence that sets an example for others.

Oh, by the way, if you live the first four guiding principles, the fifth guiding principle, having fun, is pretty easy.