I spent some time with a good friend of mine from North Carolina recently, and his comments reminded me of why I consider him such a great pal.
“Life is pretty simple,” he said. “Just do what you say you are going to do.”
How true. Just imagine if we lived in a world where we could count on people to do just that. Not having to follow up on bids you are waiting for. Reports you were promised. Projects that were to be completed. People to show up to work — and on time. If everyone really did what they said they would do, there wouldn’t be a need for managers. Of course, if you said you were going to cheat and steal, and you did cheat and steal, that’s still a problem. But at least we would know that you were going to cheat and steal, and the rest of us could plan accordingly.
My Carolina friend followed up his comment with, “And if you can’t do what you said you were going to do, at least fess up, ask for forgiveness and explain what you can do to make the situation right.”
He was correct again. And if everyone did that, we may not need bill collectors. Or lawyers. Or (as many) police officers.
I realize this is all a fantasy and that we need to learn how to properly deal with liars and cheaters and thieves, but could we do better? Could we all take some self-responsibility and focus on doing what we say we are going to do, holding ourselves accountable and not blaming others for our mistakes?
It seems like it’s worth a try. What do we have to lose?
Have a magnificent Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
