Character Keeps Doors Open!

05/26/03

Elmer Leterman is a business executive that knows the value of integrity and trust: "Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open."

It's not the trappings; it's trust that keeps relationships working for the long haul! Too often training can focus on learning relationship strategies and behaviors to handle specific situations, without realizing that behind all of the specifics must lie a commitment to integrity. Integrity and character are built choice by choice on the road to change; every choice gives you a chance to reinforce the rock-solid principles that guide you. The "fake it till you make it" crowd has never impressed me. This is not to suggest that men and women of integrity and character are perfect. It means they aspire to a standard, keep driving their principles into key decisions, take responsibility when they falter, and then keep improving in their effort to walk...or, admittedly, at times...crawl their talk. If you're known as a person of character who people can trust, even mistakes can improve relationships. When you take responsibility, apologize and do what you can to rectify the problem and learn from the experience, your relationship will bounce back even stronger. I love to embrace change, but I'm equally glad that I have some core principles that are there to guide me on my journey. Winning at the great game of life involves capitalizing on never-ending change while holding onto unchanging principles.

MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT

Dr. Loren Ekroth (www.conversation-matters.com) provides this week's mirthful message--some Country and Western titles you're sure to enjoy:

  1. All My Exes Live in Texas

  2. Don't Know Whether to Kill Myself or Go Bowling

  3. I Got You on My Conscience but at Least You're Off My Back

  4. I'd Rather Pass Another Kidney Stone Than Another Night With You

  5. I've Been Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart

  6. Why Did You Leave the One You Left Me For?

  7. And finally...She was only a sliver in my butt as I slid down the banister of life

When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...