May 2004 Newsletter
Knowledge and Knapsacks
An eagle scout, a motivational speaker, and a clergyman were returning from a wilderness adventure.
The eagle scout settled himself as comfortably as possible in the small aircraft
and exchanged pleasantries with the clergyman. Eventually, the third man also joined
the conversation.
It turned out that he was a highly respected consultant, regarded by many as one of
the most intelligent men alive.
Suddenly, the engine sputtered and died. The pilot said he would attempt an emergency landing, but he recommended the passengers use the two parachutes beside the rear exit.
"My firm could not survive without me," the consultant said, pulling on the shoulder straps and jumping out.
"You go ahead, son," the clergyman said.
"We still have two parachutes," the eagle scout responded, "Our friend just jumped out of the plane with my knapsack."
When we focus only on ourselves or on what we need, we often overlook critical details. By valuing others and taking time to understand what they say, we come much closer to seeing the world as it really is. Does your life communicate a respect and esteem for other people?
Three Keys to Succeed
With an endless flow of issues demanding your attention, it is vital to set goals and
maintain right priorities. To avoid becoming sidetracked, you need to define your roles,
focus on your responsibilities, and maintain your relationships. You need a healthy balance
in all three areas if you want to reach your full potential.
Role
Who are you, really? What is your role in life? Where are you now and where are you going? These questions need answers. In sports, people try out for a position. In theater, individuals often compete for the various parts in a play. Once a role is assigned, each person must fulfill their responsibilities or else they will fail and hinder those depending on them.Responsibility
What does your role require of you? What do you require of others? Irresponsibility causes failure on the job and in life. It is easy to blame someone else, but true leaders look first at themselves and then at other factors. Be a good role model by faithfully fulfilling your responsibilities.Relationship
Do you enjoy being around your family and co-workers? Do they seem to enjoy being with you? This area often suffers from neglect because it requires so much careful attention. Each person has roles and responsibilities in relationship to other people. The effort necessary to communicate clearly and maintain relationships gains new meaning when you realize it is part of a process that will help you achieve true success.Role+Responsibility+Relationship=True Success
By Larry Rhoads, Executive Director of the Character Training Institute
Spring Cleaning
Children can learn many important lessons through ordinary household tasks. House cleaning
can teach children responsibility for their living area and orderliness with their possessions
by developing important skills—from organizing closets to cleaning bathrooms. When everyone
gets involved, it also promotes teamwork and cooperation among family members.
Maybe your kitchen cabinets need an overhaul, or maybe the toybox needs to be purged of unused items. Perhaps each family member can clean out his or her closet or clothes drawers. Maybe you have a garage or a storage area that needs help. Schedule a day to tackle these projects and discover the fulfillment that comes from orderliness and teamwork.
Before conducting these projects, think of the character qualities you want your children to develop. Explain how each project gives them a chance to practice endurance, joyfulness, and thoroughness on the job. Help them understand that their project isn’t about the menial work itself. Give them a bigger picture of how they can learn and grow.
Allow your children to share in the experience as you check off your "to-do" list for this
month. Have a great time!
Law Enforcement
Many law enforcement officials worldwide are discovering that successful policing requires more than good officer skill; it requires good officer conduct.
Sheriff Ray Nash has seen the effects of improper officer conduct firsthand. "When I began serving as Sheriff in Dorchester County, South Carolina, I spent most of my time dealing with personnel problems and citizen complaints."
After observing the destructive influences that accompanied the police lifestyle, he
decided to begin teaching his officers basic principles that would help them make positive
change in their personal lives and in their relationships with the community.
As a result, Dorchester County experienced a 30 percent drop in crime within three years.
The information Nash taught his officers has become known as "Police Dynamics," and has been so successful that Nash now shares it with law enforcement officials worldwide. Each character-based "Dynamic" focuses on helping law enforcement personnel develop the strong personal character to build positive relationships within the agency and throughout the community. "Since we began emphasizing character," Nash said, "the compliments far outweigh the citizen complaints."
Sheriff Jim Alderden, of Larimer County, Colorado, experienced similar benefits after the Police Dynamics and Character First! materials were presented to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office employees. "We believe it has instilled a greater appreciation of 'character' and a greater effort to become exemplary employees," he said. As a result, his office has incorporated the Police Dynamics principles into the agency's official procedures.
Sergeant Julie Shearer of Cincinnati, Ohio, serves as an adjunct professor at the police academy. "The police dynamics that Ray Nash specifically brought with the training, I think, teaches the things that are the core of being a good police officer. I think you have to have good ethics and morals to be a good police officer," she said.
As a result of the continued positive results, the International Association of Character Cities will hold a special two-day Police Dynamics Seminar that will feature live presentations by Sheriff Nash. Contact IACC for more information about this seminar, or visit http://www.charactercities.org/conferences/policedynamics/.