On Stealing - Stealing Ideas is Stealing

Stealing intellectual property – other people’s ideas or creations – is a hot topic right now. People are more aware of stealing artists’ songs, for example. But what about right in your workplace? Taking credit for other people’s work is stealing, too. If you’re a boss, it is not only highly unethical, it’s the very opposite of what you should be trying to promote. Taking credit for other people’s work can take other forms too, like letting a customer think you were the force behind a project when it was a group effort. Stop the stealing.

Repeat this: Starting with me, stealing is stealing. I will not inflate my own importance at others’ expense.

On Stealing – Stealing Work Hours is Stealing

Okay, let’s just say this. Coming late, leaving early, extending breaks and surfing the net (March Madness, anyone?) on company time is stealing. Plain and simple. Oh, sure, there’s comp time, but the rest of it is just wrong. And while we’re at it, what about being habitually late for meetings? In that case we are stealing multiple people’s time. Here’s the deal. We can’t complain about corporate greed, crooked politicians, and identity theft if we are also guilty of stealing. Let’s clean it up.

Repeat this: Starting with me, stealing is stealing. I will take personal responsibility for my use of time.

On Settling for Low Quality Work

I hate the word “mediocrity.” There is nothing admirable about being lukewarm, average, or okay. We have an ethical responsibility to strive for the best in all our activities. Settling for low quality work is flat out immoral and accepting “meets minimum standards” is demoralizing, at best.

The good news is that we can change that. No matter what your job is, whatever part of the process you own, go for excellence. You may stir up a little controversy, but stick to your guns. Deep down, I think everyone wants to do their best.

Repeat this: Starting with me, good enough is no longer good enough. I will seek the best.

On Confronting Bullying

There has been a lot (though not enough) of press lately about bullying in schools. But what about bullying in the workplace? Oh, it’s often more subtle there, but it is happening nonetheless. The newcomer, the nerd, and the prude are often singled out and made fun of. If you are not on the receiving end, it may seem harmless or funny or even deserved. But the person being bullied doesn’t think so. It creates a workplace filled with fear, hate, and division. It crushes creativity. And by the way, it’s illegal.

Repeat this: Starting with me, bullying in any form will not be tolerated. I will stand up for the victims.

On Understanding Disability

“Mommy, why does that man have no legs?” We cringe when we hear children loudly ask those embarassing questions. But most people with disabilities would much rather talk openly about them than the alternative – which is often embarassment, pity, fear and avoidance. Many will quickly help us understand that, for them, they don’t even consider what we see a disability. Contrary to popular opinion, ignorance is not bliss. Don’t be a part of allowing people to be marginalized by physical or mental differences.

Repeat this: Starting with me, people who are different from me will be understood and respected.

On Decreasing Prejudice

Our tendency is to reject as “wrong” anything unfamiliar to us. When something seems wrong to us, we often think – if not act – judgmentally toward others. Understanding other cultures, religions, and lifestyles helps us to see why people make the decisions they make and why they behave and speak the way they do. We can learn to accept and even value what first seemed wrong to us. We can then interact with people on a basis of knowledge and respect rather than ignorance.

Repeat this: Starting with me, ignorance about different cultures, religions and lifestyles will not be an excuse for prejudice.

On Becoming Politically Active

Democracy. It’s one of the values that defines our country. But for all our talk, do we really value democracy? When was the last time you voted? Did you ever call, e-mail or write your representative? Do you know what your school board is doing? Do you take any time to truly understand the issues facing the country, your state, city, etc.? Unless you are actively involved, you don’t really value democracy.

Repeat this: Starting with me, democracy will be truly valued and will start working like it’s supposed to.