On Valuing Contentment

Is enough ever enough? Do we even know what the word “contentment” means today? The people I have most admired in my life were those who knew how to be content in all circumstances. They exhibit a peace, a calmness that I want to achieve. Oh, don’t misunderstand. They aren’t lazy. They still have goals and ambitions and passion. But they are not driven by those. They are fed by something inside, something more important than achievement. They have found contentment. They have moved from making needs-based decisions to making values-based decisions.

Repeat this: Starting with me, contentment will be a worthwhile goal. I will be driven by intrinsic values, rather than externals.

On Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Is there really such a thing as a superstar? A sports team doesn’t win based on one player. A business doesn’t excel based on one person’s service. A family doesn’t thrive based on one member’s efforts. The truth is, credit is due to the group. In our individualistic society, we want to name heroes. But in actuality, unless we are working together, we will all fall.

Repeat this: Starting with me, credit for success will be given where it is due. I will neither hog the limelight, nor create individual heroes.

On Rest and Vacation

Did you ever think of “rest” as a moral issue? Probably not. But rest is important to maintaing a consistent ethical stance in everything we do. When we are stressed, tired, weak or sick, our decisions will tend to be based on our own needs first. It’s the human trait of self-preservation. But ethical behavior is based on recognizing and respecting the needs of others, as well as ourselves.

Repeat this: Starting with me, rest, vacation, and time off will be valued as a moral imperative. I will keep myself prepared to make sound ethical decisions.

On Settling for Second Best

Is settling for second best ever enough? Just the very word “settling” suggests a surrender of some sort. And “second best?” Well, you decide. In practical sense, I accept that I will not always achieve the “best” outcome, but I resolve never to settle for second best. To do so means I will always be selling someone short, I will not be delivering what I am truly capable of, I will always be falling short of my implied or explicit promise to others.

Repeat this: Starting with me, second best will never be enough. I will always keep working to achieve the best.

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 Decreasing Turnover

Do you work someplace with high employee turnover? Do you get tired of seeing an endless stream of trainees who don’t seem to care as much about the job as you do? Do you wish you could do something about it? Well, maybe you can. You may not have the authority to increase wages or grant different schedules, but one of the biggest factors in employee turnover is a lack of a sense of belonging, or of importance. You can do something about that.

Repeat this: Starting with me, new employees will see someone in the workplace who cares about them and what they bring to the team.

On Giving Feedback

One of the most important communications skills is the ability to give feedback. Doing it in a respectful, non-judgmental manner helps ensure your feedback will be heard. Remember this phrase: behaviorally measurable. Your feedback should be around observable, objective behaviors, not your feelings or your subjective judgments as to what they mean. If someone shortchanges a customer, don’t say, "You cheated that lady." Instead, say, "You gave her $1.70 instead of $1.80." Describe the behavior. The other person will not be as likely to be defensive, and you may help build either skills or character in the process.

Repeat this: Starting with me, feedback will be more effective.

For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Giving Encouragement

Everyone needs encouragement in discouraging times. However, words, no matter how nobly quoted or skillfully crafted, are empty unless there is substance behind them. Do your coworkers know there is substance behind your words? Are you a person who lives and speaks hope? Do you build a positive, accepting and safe environment in all you say and do? Do you project competence and excellence? People in crisis naturally seek out someone whom they can trust. Based on your past behaviors, will that person be you? Repeat this: Starting with me, this will become a more positive, encouraging place. I will be an encourager in discouraging times. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.