Integrity is Number One
http://www.refresher.com/mindfulnetwork/articlelive/articles/708/1/Integrity-is-Number-One/Page1.html
Jim Stovall
Jim
Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a
published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a
columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa,
OK 74145-9082,
or by e-mail at Jim@JimStovall.com By Jim Stovall
Published on 11/1/2010
As a young man, one of my earliest business mentors told me that the secret to success is “Always do what you say you are going to do.” I was looking for the shortcut to riches, and this elderly multimillionaire continually frustrated me by spouting what I thought were proverbial platitudes. He went on to explain that if you commit to always doing what you say you will do, you will be known as an honest person, and you will be very careful what you commit to because you know you will be holding yourself to a higher standard.
Integrity is Number One
As a young man, one of my earliest business mentors told me that the secret to success is “Always do what you say you are going to do.” I was looking for the shortcut to riches, and this elderly multimillionaire continually frustrated me by spouting what I thought were proverbial platitudes. He went on to explain that if you commit to always doing what you say you will do, you will be known as an honest person, and you will be very careful what you commit to because you know you will be holding yourself to a higher standard.
Thirty years later, I realize that a good reputation is priceless, and making careful, calculated decisions—knowing that you’re going to follow through—keeps you from the plentiful pitfalls.
Recently, I read a transcript from a question and answer session that Warren Buffett did with aspiring business leaders. When asked what factors he looked for in acquiring a business and how he conducted his acquisition analysis, Buffett replied, “Integrity in management is number one.” Buffett went on to explain that if you weren’t sure about number one, none of the other factors really mattered.
Recently, a partner of mine was involved in a venture in which our combined interests were attached to people who proved to have questionable integrity. I was very proud of my partner as he conducted himself with the highest degree of integrity possible while dealing with people who are driven by unscrupulous motives.
As my friend and colleague, Dr. Stephen Covey, often teaches, the only true long-term success comes from win/win relationships. Dr. Covey understands that some people can appear to profit in the short term by utilizing win/lose tactics, but these quickly and obviously reveal themselves, making future long-term success impossible.
One of my heroes, the legendary Ray Charles, always encouraged young musicians by telling them, “The only sure way to be great in this business is to practice so you can deliver more than is expected.” Ray went on to the explain to the young people, “Never confuse being famous with being great.” Ray knew that fame comes and goes for a short season while greatness endures. Ray Charles proved his words to be true as he built on his greatness throughout a career that stretched for over half a century.
It is folly to look for the unknown hidden secrets to success. Success secrets are well known and out in the open for all to see. Unfortunately, they are disguised in a veil of simplicity that makes them hard to recognize.
All of us know more than enough to succeed. We don’t fail because we don’t know what to do. We fail when we don’t do what we know. Prisons are filled with people who knew better, and the halls of fame are filled with people who did the things that we all know to do.
As you go through your day today, pursue the simple, straightforward, and apparent route to success through integrity, honor, and service.
Today’s the day!
Thirty years later, I realize that a good reputation is priceless, and making careful, calculated decisions—knowing that you’re going to follow through—keeps you from the plentiful pitfalls.
Recently, I read a transcript from a question and answer session that Warren Buffett did with aspiring business leaders. When asked what factors he looked for in acquiring a business and how he conducted his acquisition analysis, Buffett replied, “Integrity in management is number one.” Buffett went on to explain that if you weren’t sure about number one, none of the other factors really mattered.
Recently, a partner of mine was involved in a venture in which our combined interests were attached to people who proved to have questionable integrity. I was very proud of my partner as he conducted himself with the highest degree of integrity possible while dealing with people who are driven by unscrupulous motives.
As my friend and colleague, Dr. Stephen Covey, often teaches, the only true long-term success comes from win/win relationships. Dr. Covey understands that some people can appear to profit in the short term by utilizing win/lose tactics, but these quickly and obviously reveal themselves, making future long-term success impossible.
One of my heroes, the legendary Ray Charles, always encouraged young musicians by telling them, “The only sure way to be great in this business is to practice so you can deliver more than is expected.” Ray went on to the explain to the young people, “Never confuse being famous with being great.” Ray knew that fame comes and goes for a short season while greatness endures. Ray Charles proved his words to be true as he built on his greatness throughout a career that stretched for over half a century.
It is folly to look for the unknown hidden secrets to success. Success secrets are well known and out in the open for all to see. Unfortunately, they are disguised in a veil of simplicity that makes them hard to recognize.
All of us know more than enough to succeed. We don’t fail because we don’t know what to do. We fail when we don’t do what we know. Prisons are filled with people who knew better, and the halls of fame are filled with people who did the things that we all know to do.
As you go through your day today, pursue the simple, straightforward, and apparent route to success through integrity, honor, and service.
Today’s the day!