Leadership

Integrity in 2009

2009 was a year of struggle and defeat for many, especially those having been victims or martyrs of what is the second Great Depression in America’s history. And who wasn’t a ‘victim’? Even the wealthy became poorer.

For those who deny that integrity in leadership matters, let’s examine the footprints leading us to this great recession. The greed of man, the powerful and oh so mighty waving their brooms and wands to conduct a ceremony of corruption and continued power and control. These banks, these loans enabling people to purchase well beyond their means. These envious neighbors. These are the footprints, the deeds before the downfall.

Greed: to enrich yourself and not others. To demote others to escalate oneself. To fill ones pockets, and hopefully empty those nearby.

How to avoid greed? You give. You become more interested in giving than receiving. You give as much or better yet more than you receive.

Envy: coveting thy neighbors wife. We want what we can’t have. We despise those who hit the jackpot, who seem to win from pure luck. In an effort to sustain our happiness we fruitlessly with no regard to our responsibilities, stack on new additions to our already staggering debt. And why? Simply to improve how others see us. To bring a temporary smile for we don’t know how to sustain one forever. Our happiness is now no longer in contentment. Our happiness has simply been muted. Happiness derives from the condition of accepting your circumstances and finding solace in the beauty that exists.

Why do marriages end? Lack of respect. They finally saw it. Looking beyond the pretty face, they recognized immorality, the lack of integrity. The number one reason people get fired…unethical and/or illegal behavior. Lack of integrity. What destroys companies. Bad decisions, bad leadership-but nothing will eat away at an organization and sway its foundation like lack of unity. The greatest have fallen and so will they continue. And then there’s a nation who’s leaders conduct themselves not for others but for themselves. We are in a turmoil, on the brink of destroying the foundation that our forefathers have built…a foundation built on integrity.

So in 2010 may leaders find integrity, and act on the behalf and benefit of others. And may happiness be found from the beauty that surrounds us.

© 2010 Ramblings of JayS.