Behavior is a mirror

Last week when we talked about giving feedback early and often before a small situation becomes a big problem. And it is was discussed from a management and behavior point of view. However there is one other issue that this gets at – albeit in a more subtle way. And that is integrity.

If we see something that we need to correct because it is not what we said we do and we do not correct it we have not only sent a message about behaviors that are acceptable and unacceptable but we have also told everyone our values that we discuss are not truly important to us. Our actions are how we relate our beliefs and values to the rest of the world. When we choose to not address an issue we are making a statement of values as well.

Think about what you are doing (or what you are not doing) and think about the values that you are relating to your people. We have an opportunity to express our values with every action – we should look at that as a great opportunity. A challenging one to be sure, and not an easy one, but a wonderful opportunity to make these statements about who we are by what we do. Our people will never forget it so neither should we.