Crossing the Unethical Line

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.

-Peter Drucker, economist, management guru, (1909-2005)

Most of us at some time in our careers will be faced with the question,"Is this crossing the unethical line?" When we ask ourselves this question we need to answer it honestly and do the research necessary to determine if what we just heard or what we are about to do is unethical or border line unethical. If it is then stop before proceeding.

For example, if someone in leadership has the authority to give you direction and asks you to perform a task that doesn't seem honest and ethical to you; it is your responsibility as the employee to clarify what you just heard. Repeat it back to the person so if you misinterpreted the message, than any possible damage could be stopped in its tracks immediately.

However, if you repeat it back stating, "I just want to make sure I understood correctly what you asking me to do" and if she/he confirms the unethical behavior, you have a decision as the employee to make. Doing something that you clearly feel is crossing the unethical line needs to be addressed. Some people will feel comfortable stating to their boss that it appears unethical and they are not willing to do it and others may not feel comfortable stating it to the person that asked them to do it.

If that's the case, go to your Human Resource department or call your company's compliance hotline as anonymous and let them know what just occurred. They will be a good resource to help you decipher if the request is truly crossing the ethics line. Sometimes, it may not be unethical and an explanation from someone more knowledge on the policy will help clarify that, but if it is unethical - take steps to do the 'right thing' which may not necessarily be the 'easy thing'.

"The Messenger" - You Don't Want to Encounter One

Patty Mooney, a strong supporter of veterans and producer

of the documentary “The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans" recently wrote a blog about the movie The Messenger. As I read it, it brought back memories of a day I wish me and my family would never have experienced and hope very few others will.

It's the story about the messenger, the person who has to tell the families of those men and women who died while serving our country in a war, that their loved one is never coming home. Having dealt with that ourselves just over three years, reading Patty's reflection of the story hit home. I don't think I can watch this movie just yet; as the pain would be too real. But then again will there ever be a day when it wouldn't be? Probably not.

As painful as it is for the families to have 'the messenger' arrive at their door, it too is difficult for those delivering the message about their fellow soldier. For all the families who have had the unfortunate experience of encountering 'the messenger' my thoughts and prayers are with you and for those who must be 'the messenger' each and every day - stay strong, yet compassionate.

The Importance of Visions... Part Three

See things as you would have them be instead of as they are.    Robert Collier

 This is the third and final blog on the importance of visions. Once you do the third step you will be good to go and on your way to achieving amazing things in your life. To refresh your memory on parts one and two I've summarized them below.

Part One: Write down your affirmations in a positive and present tense. Part Two: Write your affirmations in a story form and assemble a vision board.

Now that these are complete, it's extremely important that you don't forget about your affirmations and the vision for your future. Keeping your affirmations and vision close to your mind and your thoughts everyday will help you achieve your goals. You will begin to see amazing things happen if you practice these principals everyday.

Part Three of the Importance of Visualizations is the act of visualizing. There are several methods in which to do this so choose the one that fits you best or a combination of them as I do.

1) As you read your affirmations, close your eyes and visualize the entire experience. Try to feel what it would be like in that situation. For example, if your affirmation is to be a world renowned author you might visualize a crowd of people at the book store lined up to see you to purchase your book and have you autograph it.

2) Look at your vision board and as you read your vision statement, close your eyes and visualize the feelings, the excitement and the pleasure you feel in being in that moment. This helps embed your vision into your subconscious mind with what you want in life and where you want to be as though you are already there. Remember, our mind believes what we tell it whether positive or negative so why not make it positive and what we want?

3) Get a small recorder and record your affirmations or vision statement doing it with enthusiasm and excitement. Then when you awake in the morning and before you fall asleep, put your headphones in, turn it on and as you listen to yourself tell the story of your life - lay there and visualize what it all looks like, how it feels, and allow yourself to be in the moment. Do this daily. You can also do the same if you are driving to work everyday; plug your recorder into your car stereo, turn up the volume and visualize as you listen to it (but of course with your eyes open on this one).

As odd as it may seem if you have never done this before, just do it anyway even if it feels strange the first few times; because it works. Many great leaders and successful men and women have practiced the art of visualization for years to help them achieve success in their  personal and professional lives.

The more you can read, hear and visualize your goals and affirmations throughout the day, the better. We want to embed those visions and feelings into our subconscious mind. If you continue to do it everyday - you will begin to see how the universe brings people and circumstances into your life just when you need them and when you're ready for them. It's an amazing, yet exciting and thrilling experience. And when it happens, you'll be in awe but yet you won't be surprised because you have already been visualizing and feeling what it's like to be in that moment and expecting it.