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L- Lead with Integrity
The #WolffWay
W- Work ethic
O- Off time
L- Lead with integrity
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L- Lead with integrity
"What is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular"
These words were written on a sign in my parents house. I forget who the author was, or even if an author was named, but I will never forget the message they delivered. Leading and living with integrity can present challenges that test our resolve.
When we do what we believe is the right thing, we can find ourselves alone. I refer to it as "feeling alone in a dark room". The noise from the outside, even friendly, voices can be deafening. These decisions can keep us up late at night. We can lose friends. People can question our integrity. Not so nice things can be said about us. It can be hard. For me, I focus on the belief that I did the best I could with the information I had available. It doesn't always make it easier but it helps.
One of the best compliments I ever received was given to me from a long time friend and colleague. Allow me to paraphrase: "Tim Wolff may not always be right, but he is always going to do what he thinks is right". I take pride in that. It has also put me in some difficult and unpopular positions.
The important thing is that we do the right thing with or without an audience. That we are honest and hold true to our moral principles. This may be asking the co-worker who sits by themselves to join the group for lunch. It may mean excusing yourself from a conversation where negative or hateful thoughts are being exchanged. It may require standing up and stopping these thoughts or actions. It may require having a difficult conversation with an individual so the team or organization can move forward in a positive way (I have been on both ends of these conversations).
It should be noted that sometimes we (leaders in particular) have to choose from choices that are all "bad" options. Often, this applies with big decisions. We have to choose the "least bad" option. Honestly, it stinks. I believe we have to do it.
Hold true to the principle of leading and living with integrity even when tested. Push out the outside noise. When you feel alone, believe you did what you thought was the right thing to do. Step out or up when needed. Make the best decision with the information you have in front of you.
Know that what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.
Good luck out there.
