June 2005 Newsletter
Justice Brings Credibility
We tend to think our businesses, homes, and societies could become better if we only adopted the right rules or procedures. These standards, however, are only as effective as each individual's commitment to justice.
Where there is no accountability, people tend to lose respect for the law. In society, drivers quickly disregard traffic laws when authorities do not enforce them. This effect becomes more serious when it involves worse criminal offenses.
The same is true at home. When parents threaten and do not administer consequences for misbehavior, children will come to ignore their parents' warnings.
Business credibility also depends on a commitment to justice. An organization can publish a mission statement or ethics manual, but if the managers do not apply these principles in daily decisions, the organization will stray off course. People inside and outside will recognize a company as an organization of integrity only when the leadership consistently follows just policies and procedures.
Justice requires people to apply moral principle rather than get by with whatever isn't specifically prohibited. Whatever turns the business takes, managers must practice honesty with shareholders, respect for other team members, and sensitivity to customer needs. Those under authority should take a thorough interest in their assignments and exercise alertness to the whole process so that they can take initiative when necessary.
Good people and good policy both play a role in administering justice, but we must measure the justice of both against unchanging moral standards. Discover the secret to credibility as you apply what is right and true.
By Larry Rhoads
Secrets to Good Fruit
The 5th Annual Character Camp drew over 150 students in Eastern Oklahoma and sought to help them start or strengthen Character Clubs at their schools. Character First! taught a session on "The Secrets to Good Fruit," using the grapevine as an illustration and challenging the students to live virtuously.
1. Seed
The first step is to plant a seed, to make a commitment to build good character. Do you actively study qualities such as truthfulness, generosity, justice, honor, and obedience?2. Good Soil
Just as good soil provides nutrients for a vine's growth, young people should surround themselves with friends, entertainment, and activities that reinforce good character. What are the influences on your character?3. Strong Roots
A vine's roots firmly anchor it during stormy weather, and character allows a child to stand for what is right, even when he or she must stand alone. How will you respond when people or circumstances pressure you to do something wrong?4. Sunlight
A healthy vine requires sunlight. Similarly, you must admit mistakes and live honestly with yourself and others. People who cover up wrongs will not prosper in the end. How can you deal honestly with past mistakes?5. Guidelines
To help a grapevine grow in the right direction, a vine keeper builds a trellis to support the branches. Following the guidelines of your authorities can help you avoid trouble and maintain order in life. What are some standards your authorities have established for you?6. Water
Grapevines need plenty of water to produce good fruit. Building character also requires constant attention. What can you do to keep your character focus alive from week to week?7. Pruning
Correcting bad attitudes or habits is like pruning unhealthy branches from a vine. What are two areas in which you need to improve your character?8. Fruit
A grapevine often produces good fruit in proportion to the skill of the vinedresser. Who has set an example for you, instructed you, or inspired you? How can you thank them?By Robert Greenlaw
McDonough a City With Character
Character is important for employees, especially in the city of McDonough.
This county seat was designated a City of Character in the late '90s and began a yearlong, volunteer character-building initiative for city employees in January.
The "Character First!" program is used as a proactive tool to reduce absenteeism and tardiness and improve work ethics and communication. On the first Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each month, the city's 100-plus employees may voluntarily participate in a 15-minute session based on character building. Sessions have focused on awareness, credibility, and attentiveness, among other qualities.
Mayor Richard Craig said he believes the initiative will help employees lead with character, overcome anger, communicate with sincerity, and understand perspectives. During his first year in office in 1998, Craig attended a Cities of Character conference in Indianapolis at the expense of several private citizens. He was reportedly so impressed with the program that he asked the city council to adopt a resolution officially designating McDonough as a City of Character. The vote was unanimous, and the designation is now displayed on city banners and car tags.
Since the sessions began this year, Craig said he's noticed a difference in city employees. "I see a better attitude and better morale," he said. "I think it's improving productivity and being profitable."
Craig said he has no regrets about bringing the program to the city. "I think true success is achieved by individuals who possess strong character," he said.
Nan Lee, the city's economic development director, serves as coordinator of the program and heads the character sessions with city employees. She attended an implementation and effective leadership seminar in Oklahoma City, in late February to prepare for the job.
"The reaction from the employees has been overwhelmingly responsive in attendance and session interaction," Lee said. "Needless to say, I am extremely pleased and gratified. The employees of the city of McDonough are part of a family, and it is evident there is a feeling of belonging and appreciation conveyed to us by Mayor Craig and council members."
Since attendance at the Character First sessions is voluntary, Lee said she considers the attendance to be "great, super."
"There have been over 100 to attend and the number has not ever dropped below the high 80s," she said. "The mayor, several council members and Blake Turner (a local advocate of Character First!) have also attended some of the sessions. The initiative started off with a great deal of momentum and the pace has continued. The family atmosphere is only being enhanced by the employees attendance and participation."
The program, Lee said, is a "tremendous boost of reinforcement in promoting a positive attitude toward fellow employees, positive attitude in applying job skills and interacting on a more positive professional and personal basis with fellow employees."
City administrator James Lee said he believes the program is making workers more aware of dealing with the public. "I think it's a program that makes them stop and think and be considerate of other people," he said.
By Shannon Jenkins
Reprinted with permission from the Daily Herald, May 12, 2005
Hear Mayor Richard Craig speak during the 2005 International Building Cities of Character Conference in Oklahoma City. International Association of Character Cities will hold this annual seminar on September 21-23, 2005. For more information, call (405) 815-0001, or visit http://charactercities.org/conferences/bcoc/.