Let’s examine our own decision making in the workplace. We are faced with multiple challenges everyday that require judgment, wisdom, and fairness. Nothing is ever simple and easy, and almost nothing is ever exactly as it seems. So often, the heart of the issue is only partially visible as if we are viewing through a fog. Some of us may find ourselves vacillating, incapable of rendering a verdict that we are comfortable with. The passionate leader whose integrity is ingrained makes the decision based on the leadership values you have defined – simple principles of right and wrong. Sometimes the most complex issues can be sorted out simply by asking yourself: “What is the right thing to do here?” Once you answer that question in private, you can then begin to formulate your answer for public consumption and devise a working plan to facilitate that decision.

Personal and professional integrity can be thought of as the guardrails on the road of life. As long as you stay the course, operate between the guardrails, and can sleep well at night, you are most likely making most of your decisions with integrity. We do occasionally lose our way and get on the wrong track, but the single most important thing to do if you get lost, is to retrace your tracks and get back on the correct road. Reflect on your leadership values and identify what’s missing or where have you not been acting in alignment with your values. Short cuts are not recommended here.

One final thought about making decisions with integrity concerns the expected outcome. Certainly, it is imperative to consider the consequences of any decision before making it public. But the consideration must be given based on who it impacts, what the impact is, and how this decision will be perceived in the public forum. The least concern should be how it reflects on the decision-maker. Katharine Graham made decisions about what to publish in the Washington Post based on her readership, how badly they needed to know, and what the consequence would be if that information were kept secret. She did not make those decisions based on how it would shape her legacy.

As each of us is faced with a similar predicament, let’s hope that we make our decisions based on the simple concepts of right and wrong, rather than if we think we will look good wearing it.

“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” – Oprah Winfrey

Here I am in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. The sun has been shining, the mountains are in the background and I am surrounded by good people. What’s not to like.

It is always fun (and more than necessary) to get out of the ordinary day to day operations. I find it very refreshing to get out of my normal environment – it stretches me to change a routine, to observe things in new places and have conversations with new people.

A little downtime now and again can really rejuvenate me. I can use some quiet time to think – no tv, minimal cell phone conversations and little computer work. It makes for my mind to settle.

The place I am at is called the Entreprenuer’s Retreat. A place for entreprenuers to come and share their ideas and gain new insights. Here is a picture of me out on the deck of this peaceful setting with those Rockie Mountains in the background.

Plan a little downtime for yourself and see how rejuvenated you can feel.

The election is over. Hooray! The language of political elections, mostly the rhetoric and the constant slams of the opponent, drives me crazy. Negativity is something I avidly try to avoid.

Now, however, our nation plans for change. Our first Black American President – a historic moment many thought was years off and now is a reality. With each newly elected President there is a new level of anticipation. President-elect Obama will now be selecting his team; reaffirming goals and setting milestones for execution of his plan. He has a little over 2 months for further preparation. I can only imagine the action list and delegation activities he will oversee.

My hope for him, as with any new executive, is that he:
1) selects his team well, finding the value in diversity of opinions and styles;
2) sets the expectations for their performance and communicates these expectations for clear understanding;
3) shares an inspiring and motivating vision for all to align; and
4) is clear about his values and knows how to stay grounded as the challanges of our times will demand much of him.

So many naysayers, so much negativity – with the political election campaigns and the uncertainty caused by the recession – it is easy to find yourself dwelling or drowning in all the negativity.

The worry grows from so many questions:
Who will lead our country, the good ole’ USA – can we regain our power?
Who is leading our financial institutions – can we trust our banks, stocks?

To the really personal questions:
What is my company’s management doing – will I have a job?
What do I need to survive – do I have enough savings?
When I am drowning with more work and fewer employees – how do I stay ahead of the game?

Day after day, I speak with employees and managers both who feel the burden of uncertainty and speak of being in a vicious circle, feeling out of control.

I recall the turmoil of feelings I experienced when I thought I was going to lose my job – it was awful! The letter came one day to my office. One of the owners of the company was unhappy with the actions I had taken in pursuing new business and stated in this letter that I was insubordinate and could lose my job as President. Several years ago now but the economy was almost as bad as today.

Wow, what do you do?

Cry, yell, scream, quit, bury my head and hope it is all a bad dream. . .

It was very difficult not to dwell in the negativity; it was hard to pull myself out of a funk and take action, seek support.

It was this very event that caused me to make a critical decision and take ownership of my career. I had to move on; I had to have a plan; I had to contribute in a way that others would value…

Let me assure you, there is a way out of all the negativity! You can get your life back and gain momentum once again.

Please I urge you to click on the link below and take a moment to learn
How To Lead With Greater Ease and Confidence

Let’s move beyond the negativity together,
Susan