[pinit count=”horizontal”] Are You Honorable or Afraid of Getting Caught? We are regularly faced with choices that fall in the gray area of moral behavior. Other times, our choices are clear as day. The truth is that selective morality is sinful. Are you honorable or afraid of getting caught? Determine if the following 15 points are clear in your mind. Is stealing someone else’s idea as dishonest as stealing a possession? If you do something unscrupulous, to benefit others, does that make it right? If your boss tells you to do something unethical, does that excuse immoral behavior? Is stea ..read more

Everyone knows someone who’s a terrible role model. Some folks have character flaws; they’re rude, selfish, entitled, mean-spirited, or deceitful. Others exhibit poor behavior; they treat people like dirt, break promises at the drop of a hat, and refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. Terrible role models also make bad choices; they surround themselves with toxic people, live on the edge, or sell their soul to the devil. Last, some folks have their priorities backward; they’re all work and no play, forfeit long-term outcomes to satisfy a short-term gain, and do anything to get wha ..read more

Did you ever attend a party where one person dominates the conversation? They think they’re on stage, performing for an audience. Similarly, have you ever attended a meeting where one person rambles on and on and on? I assume they’re trying to make a point, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what. I wonder whether they’re trying to deliver a message or just want to hear themselves talk. In any case, the audience may be listening, but the message isn’t being heard. There’s a big difference between being heard and being understood. If attention-seekers are trying to grandstand, then mis ..read more

It can be lonely to stand up for what’s right. Quite frankly, it’s hard to remain true to your values when you’re pressured to abandon them, call out bad behavior when everyone looks the other way, and tell the truth when you know you’ll become the object of scorn. You may get bullied, ridiculed, cancelled, and even punished for doing the honorable thing. But you know in your heart that you’re doing what’s right, and no one — and I mean no one — can take that away from you. Do you speak your mind rather than tell people what they want to hear, expose the truth even if it might upset the apple ..read more

[pinit count=”horizontal”] How to Tell If Your Information Is Accurate You are bombarded with information every day. You search the Internet, obtain advice from friends and family, read product reviews, hear the news on TV, and the list goes on. Ask yourself how much of what you hear or read from friends, colleagues, leaders, and so-called experts is accurate, objective, fair, and comprehensive. What if it’s wrong? How does the information color your ideas and viewpoints? Although we live in a time in which information is plentiful and easily accessible, it’s worthless if you don’t harness ..read more

It’s great to have strong convictions and believe in yourself — to a degree. But there comes a point at which people become so wedded to their ideas, that they never consider, much less admit, that they just might be wrong. I guess that’s human nature. But it’s a colossal mistake. As Mark Twain said, “What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. It’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.” Even if you’re convinced you are making the correct choice or taking the right position on an issue, there’s always the possibility that you are wrong. Having said that, many people close their e ..read more

What would happen if everyone did the bare minimum? Essentially, you wouldn’t have to work hard, and you’d live a pressure-free life. On the other hand, you’d have food served to you on dirty plates, salesclerks who’d gossip with coworkers rather than help you, and people who’d show up late to appointments. That is, if they showed up at all. (Ugh.) To make matters worse, if you asked someone to do a little extra, they’d act like you’re crazy or complain that you’re asking too much of them. Even more, if someone decided to go the extra mile, they’d be ostracized by their colleagues for making ..read more

[pinit count=”horizontal”] Think about why you trust some people and mistrust others. What is it about their behavior that makes you feel that way? How do you determine if someone is trustworthy? 25 Ways to Determine If Someone Is Trustworthy Here are 25 ways to determine whether someone can be trusted. Do these thoughts cross your mind: “I can always count on him. He’d never let me down.” “She’s the same in public as she is in private.” “His promise is as good as a contract.” “She’s always willing to help others and rarely asks for anything in return.” “He tells me the truth — even when i ..read more

Do you find that there’s less dignity and grace today? There’s no escaping folks who rant on social media, flaunt their success, and rip you apart if you’re not in complete agreement with their views. What happened to folks with class — people who set high standards for themselves, live with honor and integrity, treat others with dignity and respect, and serve as exemplary role models? In other words, people who make a positive difference in the world and are proud to live that way. Some people are toxic. They’re selfish, rude, intolerant, self-centered, close-minded, judgmental, lazy, enviou ..read more

When I was a consultant, my desk was cluttered with stacks of paper that were piled to the sky. I had an unwritten rule: What I did in my personal space was my business. But the rule wasn’t valid in common areas because it would infringe on other people. I apply that principle to other areas of my life. What you do in the comfort of your home is your business. But when you’re around others it’s important to be kind, considerate, and respectful. Unfortunately, not everyone lives by that rule. That’s why we lack decency these days. But I have a game plan to encourage greater civility. Nowadays ..read more