Ask Bracher (Questions &
Responses)
Question: (E-221)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on January 4, 2006
"Keep college football game in perspective"
During recent college "bowl" games, several
referees made poor calls. For example, those wearing
striped shirts announced an "off sides" against
the University of Iowa "Hawk-eyes" that
stopped their valiant efforts to tie or win the game
against Florida's Gators. How can there be integrity
in outcomes when errors by referees are allowed to
stand?
Response:
Regarding mistakes in judgment calls that "cost" a team the chance
to win, consider the wisdom of a major college coach. He said, after a very
disappointing loss in the last few seconds of a game, due to a controversial
call: "We did not play at a high enough level to absorb surprises or
disappointments." By implication, this mature and thoughtful coach was
suggesting that had he and his fellow coaches done a more effective job and
had his team played a better game, one or two or even three contested calls
would not have changed the outcome of the game. He did not blame the referees.
He accepted the outcome, handling the disappointment appropriately. Regarding
the referee's "blown" call you referenced during the Iowa-Florida
game, has the situation been addressed with integrity? Did those in charge
behave responsibly?
Until fairly recently, college football appeared
to be a game, providing a Saturday afternoon diversion
for students, faculty and alumni. Today, intercollegiate
sports, especially football and basketball, are big
business with mission statements, stakeholders and
gigantic cash paydays. University sports programs expecting
to remain competitive use superb brand management,
marketing expertise, multimillion dollar contracts
for coaches and media-savvy venues to "showcase" talent
for the professional ranks. The gridiron classics are
today about television revenues, national rankings
and recruiting. With cameras now validating and challenging
decisions by referees, will it be long before playing
fields and uniforms are wired with electronics to monitor
play on the field? Are we taking sports games and trying
to make them, especially football, into a flesh-and-blood
violent video game, complete with a rewind mechanism,
called replay? Humans, including referees, make mistakes.
The "bowl-season" games account for a
month of contests between teams, too many of which
lack convincing won-lost records. These "bowl-games" appear
to be advertising-driven television time-fillers, tailored
to the needs of couch potatoes with purchasing power.
Loyal alumni are encouraged to buy tickets, providing
a backdrop of fan-noise during student-athlete auditions
for professional scouts. How many legitimate bowls
can there be with a hundred and twenty big school programs?
Not as many as have mutated, which may account for
some of the poorer "calls" on the field.
What kinds of incredible pressures are being placed
on those who coach, play and referee? Is it really
about blown calls or guaranteed revenue generation?
This question is not about imperfect referees as much
as it is about seeing sports in the right proportion.
Question: (E-222)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on February 8, 2006
"Adversity doesn't build character,
it reveals it"
What builds character?
Response:
Disappointment and failure are at the top of the list of what builds character.
A wise executive suggested that he learned more during one nearly disastrous
year than during five years of relatively uncomplicated success. "Adversity
does not build character; it reveals it." Such observations suggest that
problems are little more than occasions to rejoice, for no other reason than
the marvelous character-building learning curve such circumstances provide.
Therefore, individuals ought to welcome problems because they confirm they
are still alive and able to continue learning and growing. However, being hit
by multiple hurricanes (literally or figuratively) in rapid succession represents
character-building moments which may also present significant tests of physical
strength and emotional endurance. Responsible risk-taking, including learning
from failures, is the beginning of character-building wisdom. Providing an
appropriate context for addressing disappointments and failures by caring parents
facilitates their children's endurance, better enabling them to prosper
in hard times.
Character is a by-product of many stresses and it
seems reasonable, then, that more challenges must be
better. This logic works, but only up to a point. When
the waters of challenge and frustration get neck high,
threatening death, relief is essential. Yes, developing
character requires enough strength and fortitude to
tread water until either the floods subside or a life-guard
offers assistance. The waiting game with its ambiguity,
even when accompanied by hope and faith, still takes
a toll. Threatened, by a variety of challenges, humans
need time to rebuild strength and confidence. Slowing
down long enough to think and plan often turns out
to be the most efficient way, at least in the long
run, to respond. Harried lives should never be guided
by hurried decisions and actions. Character, forged
in the fires of fear, uncertainty and doubt, requires
courage to risk and the willingness to learn from failure.
Character requires strength and optimism. Exhaustion
makes cowards of many. To live at the ready means taking
adequate time for rejuvenation, reflection and preparedness.
- Vacations provide welcome relief,
sanctuary from emergencies; including some of the
excruciating demands even of daily routine. Those
unable or unwilling to "idle their engines" risk
burn out and poor decision-making, missing golden
opportunities to leverage insights that build character.
- Quiet space reduces stress for
some while others seek a hide-away that provides
a change of pace, whether nearby or far from home.
Even powerful engines are allowed to cool down. Should
humans operate differently?
- Contingency planning increases
confidence and optimism, building character, an attribute
of integrity.
Because character is the ability to carry out the resolution
long after the initial burst of enthusiasm is gone, then
disappointments and failures are stepping stones to success
with character.
Question: (E-223)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on January 11, 2006
"News junkies demand news and demand
it first"
Who is responsible for the blunder announcing a dozen
West Virginia coal miners were alive, when, in fact,
all but one were dead?
Response:
Actor Jack Nicholson, portraying ruthless Colonel Jessup, in a movie entitled
"A Few Good Men" said the following in response to interrogation
about his culpability for actions taken by individuals under his command: "You
want the truth? You can't handle the truth!" He was defending his
actions that lead to the murder of a young Marine. To the very end, his responses
to the hideous events were simply that, in his world, people die. Colonel Jessup
provides a clue in answering your question about who is responsible for the
dissemination of misinformation.
This is the truth about who is responsible for this
media disaster: it is you, and if not you in particular,
then it is "news junkies" who demand news,
immediately. News executives understand that "being
first" with breaking news attracts larger audiences,
increasing profits. Information hounds stay with the
channel that gives them immediate gratification, using
the simple reasoning that news is on the air now, 24
hours per day, and they have to be updated, constantly.
News organizations sensed a feeding frenzy in West
Virginia, directed hordes of reporters to descend on
Tallmansville, West Virginia, wanting to be first with
whatever events were unfolding with 13 coal miners
caught in an explosion and trapped (and later killed)
by toxic gasses.
With little respect for the families of those whose
loved ones might be living their last hours in a tomb
hundreds of feet below, microphones and cameras invaded
privacy. Sensational, news-junkie-friendly updates
(accurate or not) became the currency for those competing
for "me first" updates. Church bells and
anxiety transformed simple hope into reality and garbled
messages from emergency workers wearing gas masks emerged
as indisputable facts. And, who placed this pressure
on reporters to get the news out so quickly? It was
those who wanted to know, now, what was happening.
Such immature expectations create circumstances that
were and are impossible to address appropriately. Not
to be on top of the situation causes watchers to flip
channels; and who can afford to lose market share and
profits?
The impatience and immaturity of contemporary culture
created the circumstances for this hideous treatment
of humble West Virginia coal miners and their families.
This is an integrity problem that can be solved with
graciousness, respect and discipline - not only
for victims, but also for the institutions committed
to quality news reporting. Allowing professionals to
do their jobs requires integrity-centered behaviors,
including patience and graciousness.
Question: (E-224)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on January 18, 2006
"Some lawmakers show poor integrity
skills"
Vicious verbal attacks, including accusations of
racism and sexism, by partisan United States Senators,
in the name of vetting a current candidate for the
Supreme Court, fly in the face of both civility and
integrity. Can these inquisitions be stopped?
Response:
Destructive behavior will continue, maybe even get worse, until those who
are behaving inappropriately are tossed out of office. For some number of years,
now, assessing the capabilities and the character of those willing to assume
high office have turned into jousting matches between and among partisan politicians.
Their behaviors are akin to rival gang leaders demonstrating just how much
of the territory they control and the consequences for those who attempt to
invade their turf. Common sense, communication and civility are gone. Self-serving
questions and innuendos are designed to humiliate not only candidates, but,
by association, those who have nominated them. This life and death scorched-earth
approach injects so much anger and resentment into the process that important
relationships are marred for a long time, if not forever. Congress has now
brought "feuding" center stage. Bickering attracts attention. It
is getting worse and our society is being poisoned by it.
Unfortunately, abrasive interrogation behaviors are
being tolerated, even embraced. Senators' actions
in the vetting process are being televised, live, capturing
the reactions of those being scrutinized along with
members of their families. Suddenly, justifiable investigative
inquiries become public ambushes, complete with character
assassinations. What is our society allowing to happen,
not only to the candidates themselves, but also to
their spouses and family members? The legitimate vetting
of a loved one now appears, or almost is, more like
standing (sitting) in front of a career-stopping firing
squad. How far must these public whippings be allowed
to go, in the name of seeking truth to find appropriately
qualified candidates, before few will even offer their
services? The children of these talented individuals
cannot be thinking and feeling very positively about
the government (including people, like you and me)
that allows their loved ones to be treated so shabbily.
Does seeking the truth have to come at the expense
of dignity and integrity? No.
What prevents United States Senators and Representatives
from behaving appropriately? Ego, power and money!
Getting back and getting even were childish responses
that our parents taught us were wrong. Those who have
power, want more power and are in position to "get back" at
old or new adversaries - and are willing to "push
their weight around" - are sabotaging the
society they were elected to defend. Cruel behavior
can be stopped at the ballot box. Pay attention to
these important information-gathering proceedings,
noting who behaves how; then vote for integrity and
decency.
Question: (E-225)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on January 25, 2006
"Pension cuts show a lack of loyalty"
American corporations are dissolving pensions. Frontline
employees commit careers to organizations only to see
their loyalty and integrity kicked to the curb. Can
this be stopped?
Response:
When retirement payments are dissolved with accounting trickery and irresponsible
behavior, and the government does not step in, free enterprise is at risk.
Executives hire employees to produce and provide quality products and services.
Employees deserve fair wages and adequate retirement benefits. Responsible
organizations are good stewards of retirement accounts enabling structured
savings to become well-earned individual safety nets. Unfortunately, too many
organizations have reneged on pension payouts. More are threatening to dissolve
these accounts, risking the health and security of vulnerable employees; destroying
trust and optimism.
These dishonest stewards of promised-dollars appear
to be powerful capitalist "renegades" who
know the loopholes and have abandoned legitimate obligations
to their employees, current and past. This is wrong
and they know it. They are ignoring the social contract
between labor and management. Fortunately, most employers
do not take unfair advantage of employees and do preserve
and distribute pension programs.
However, on Monday, December 5, 2005, from Kernersville,
North Carolina, Deb Reichmann, of the Associated Press,
wrote, that President George W. Bush "called
on American businesses . . .to live up to their pension
promises, saying too many companies are not putting
away enough money to protect the retirement benefits
of their workers. The President said federal rules
governing pensions are confusing and misleading and
allow companies to technically play by the rules without
funding the promises they make. In the end, taxpayers
wind up footing the bill because of federal pension
insurance."
Corporate leaders are being allowed, by law, to sidestep
responsibilities. In addition to rising pension insurance
costs, trust in the business leadership sinks, even
lower. And, who is eager to work hard without proper
respect for leaders? No one!
A 2003 case-study of Delta Airlines mentioned one
significant obstacle to the airline's continued
success: labor-management mistrust. " Delta
was once known for treating its leaders and employees
the same. More recently, executives have given themselves
huge awards while insisting on job and wage cuts from
workers. Delta also created individual trusts for 33
executives to isolate their enhanced pension benefits
from creditors if Delta files for bankruptcy, adding
to the mistrust."
What can be done to restore pensions and trust in
the free enterprise system? Voting only for those who
the right protect the vulnerable. Because the pensions
of those we elect to Congress are secure, isn't
it reasonable to assume that those who want our votes
would work hard to secure pension-security for us?
Learn the status of your pension and demand passage
of protective pension laws, immediately.
Question: (E-226)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on February 1, 2006
"No law to stop sale of phone records"
Sophisticated pirates access cell phone records,
selling the contents, indiscriminately. Is this illegal?
It lacks integrity, right?
Response:
Today cell-phone calling records are for sale on the
internet, violating privacy. So, how did it get
started? Perhaps it began with a domestic crisis. An
anxious spouse suspected the wayward actions of a partner. Not
wanting to hire a private detective to spy, a less
costly alternative was available: the information broker. If
you want to know who someone is contacting on a cell-phone,
that information can be bought for under $200. How
is the information gathered? In the largely
unregulated world of cellular phones, the con-artist,
once again, reigns supreme.
It works like this: someone wants to know the
calling activities of a certain individual. That
name is given to an information broker. A professional
liar (sociopath) telephones a phone carrier, poses
as the person whose information is being sought and
asks for past calling records. Slick operators
define these activities as "pre-text interviews" and
companies like Verizon and Cingular seem powerless
to stop them. Damning private information, of
many kinds, is made available to bludgeon opponents.
Identity theft is the work of these sleazy operators
who use criminal behavior to "fool" cell-phone
suppliers into providing them with confidential information. Currently,
there seem to be no laws to thwart these activities - at
least, not yet. Today, cell-phone records are being
compromised. Tomorrow, can we expect the same
for medical records and then bank records? This
corrupt practice reminds me of a cornerstone principle
of the Bracher Center's integrity-centered leadership
counsel: It should be common knowledge
that free markets must operate with integrity, a culture
of compliance, or face increasing government oversight. In
this instance, the culprits are getting away with inappropriate
(even if not yet illegal) actions. Such abuses
must be stopped before they permanently damage universal
connectedness through the worldwide web.
A computer consultant said: "When using the
internet, assume that what you have written will, or
at least can, be accessed by those you would least prefer." As
one of our business clients repeated to his employees: "Never
say or do anything you would not approve being printed
on the front page of the newspaper that your mother reads." Instant
global connectedness allows constant surveillance by
the proverbial "big brother" in the form
of pervasive electronics. Words and records, once
placed onto the internet, remain there, forever. Only
integrity-centered oversight will prevent this marvelous
creation, the worldwide web, from enabling criminals
to destroy the people and the systems it was designed
to improve. Vigilance is the price of liberty. Propriety
builds stature. Integrity-centered behavior exhibits
graciousness; respect for individual privacy and the
discipline of self-restraint.
Question: (E-227)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on February 22, 2006
"High school exit exam a test for
teachers, too"
What about the integrity of requiring seniors in high
school to pass the California graduation exam?
Response:
Without quantifiable standards, progress cannot be
measured. Without progress and improvement, performance
levels drop. Eroding standards spell disaster. Future
contributors must have the intellectual tools to sustain
and improve the world they will inherit. They
must be able to assess food quality, medical services
and transportation safety; as well as constructive
technological breakthroughs. Preparing young
people to function effectively in the 21st Century
is the responsibility of today's educational
leadership. Sitting in a classroom does not make
one an informed person anymore than standing in a garage
makes one an automobile. When learning has taken
place, it can be verified, and should be.
Many years ago, one of our clients was building his
third successful software company, and had hired our
management consulting firm to fine-tune the leadership
skills of his key people. He chose to introduce
me with the following words: "Jim Bracher
is the smartest man I ever met who was not wearing
overalls." Yes, you read the words correctly, "not
wearing overalls" - the uniform of choice
for those who make their living tilling the soil, at
least in the Midwest, where our client (and I) had
been reared.
After his remarks, my question, in front of his team,
was: "Is this a compliment?" He
assured me that it was, because he had never met a
dumb farmer. He then asked if I had ever known
a dumb farmer. When I said I was not sure, he
made the point that farmers who are not alert, flexible
and hard working will likely go out of business - which
means they aren't farmers any more. Smart
and successful farmers deal with circumstances that
are often unpredictable: weather, pests, bugs,
price fluctuations, expensive equipment, fuel costs
and labor. Those who cannot handle these challenges
go bankrupt. Farmers face consequences. Their
need for knowledge and the ability to function efficiently
and effectively - in many areas - separates
the real farmers from the pretenders. They profit
from the positive consequences of preparedness.
Having to perform at a high level is non-negotiable - for
students, teachers, technologists, consultants or farmers. Performance
demands start when young people seek a certificate of
graduation from secondary school. The complexities
of simply surviving in society will not get easier. Students
facing their tomorrows - whether they continue
formal studies or join the work force - must balance
knowledge with application of math, science, communication
skills and social awareness. Integrity-centered leaders
will enable the next generation to cope and succeed,
auditing their progress and providing supportive tutoring
where required. Learning for survival and success is
no longer an option, it is a must.
Question: (E-228)
"Doing What is Right"
How can United Airlines, or any business, large or
small, justify paying top-brass big bucks after declaring
bankruptcy, while cutting employee salaries and cannibalizing
pension programs?
Response:
They cannot and should not. When stories come out that
those who already have a great deal are leveraging
the sweat and sacrifice of those with much less, it
is time to demand a wholesale rethinking of how society
is operating. Many years ago, while riding on
a train between New York and Philadelphia, my seatmate
turned out to be Mr. Washington SyCip, from Manila,
The Philippines. Fate, providence, dumb luck - whatever,
my traveling companion, as it turns out, is a global
figure, wise and humble, insightful, incisive and gracious. We
spoke of many topics and when we went our separate
way, that day, he handed me his business card. Only
later did I learn that Wash sits on advisory committees
of many American institutions and scoffs at Western
ideas of instant democracy applied to poor countries,
which have failed to reduce poverty.
SyCip is on the advisory boards of two high visibility
American universities: Harvard and Columbia. He also provides counsel to the American International
Group, The Conference Board, The Council on Foreign Relations, The Asia Society
and, until recently, The Chase Manhattan Bank and the Joseph H. Lauder Institute
of Management and International Studies of the University of Pennsylvania. One
phrase he uses over and over: "Education is the most effective economic
equalizer." He has told me that the present disparity in educational
standards between expensive private schools and the public school system, the
gap between the rich and poor remains wide. So, whether or not one agrees
on every issue with Wash, his ideas require intelligent, sometimes mind-changing,
thinking.
Over the past decade, he and I have shared many conversations
about values, integrity, society and building the
future. What he said in June, 2001, when receiving
an honorary doctorate from the University of Philippines, should encourage all
leaders, everywhere, to get serious about responsible social and economic stewardship,
immediately. After graciously thanking the University of Philippines for honoring
him, he then provided courageous challenges to those in his nation to work for
improvements, immediately. He spoke very directly to educators, business
leaders, social organizations and government servants (elected and, appointed)
and the voters themselves to take stock of the downward spiral and to do something
about it. Excerpts from his speech:
"The Philippine situation
was particularly difficult after World War II. Next
to Warsaw, Manila was the most damaged city. To become
an independent nation, with an empty treasury, destruction
everywhere, conflicting ideologies not resolved and
loose arms all over the country, was quite a Herculean
task.
It was natural that we turned to the former mother
country, the United States, for economic and financial
assistance as the Philippines was the only colony
that fought so bravely for its mother country. This
was not surprising as it was already a commonwealth
and independence was assured when Pearl Harbor and
Clark Airbase were bombed. The public schools, with
the help of thousands of American schoolteachers
scattered around the country, had achieved a literacy
rate that was the envy of our neighbors.
In any nation, peace and order is the first task of
government. Then it must manage the economy responsibly
so that all sectors of society are motivated to exert
their utmost to achieve equitable growth and create
jobs, food, and shelter. Education and health care
must be made available to all citizens, particularly
to the bottom group.
In all countries, the upper class can take care of
themselves! But only when the poor moves up and a middle
class emerges is political democracy meaningful and
sustainable.
Where the poor sell their votes and elected representatives
or appointed officials are influenced in their decisions
by monetary considerations, democracy may be a farce
and benefits only those who have the means to exercise
such influence-which
is the upper class!
Fifty years ago we were ahead of almost all the other
East Asian countries in per capita income, literacy
rates, education and health standards-and most
measurements of economic well being. Why are we now
at the bottom of the list? Changing presidents, legislators
and other elective officials have not helped us.
The gap between our upper class and the bottom group
has widened. The Economist magazine has identified
Latin America as the region with the greatest income
inequality. With our common Iberian heritage, we have
the greatest income inequality in East Asia and the
lowest savings rate. To quote from Business World; "If
we look at the distribution of income over the years, evidently no improvement
has been made for the past half a century. The rich have become richer while
the poor remains to be 'impoverished'."
The US has more lawyers that the rest of the world
while we have more lawyers that the rest of East Asia.
Should we not have more engineers and mechanics?
With our "freedom without borders", should
we be concerned that the freedom to discuss, debate
and demonstrate may result in procrastination and postponement
of urgent decisions that are needed to solve ordinary
daily economic problems like collection of garbage?
Let me also share with you some of my thoughts on basic
problems that we have to solve:
- I am greatly bothered by
the declining educational standards of the public
schools. Countless studies have pointed out the
need for government resources to be concentrated
on improving basic education and reducing drop
out rates. Emphasis on math, science and physics
in public schools will enable our bottom group
to upgrade their skills and compete both within
the country and in job markets abroad. Education
should be the most effective economic "equalizer".
But with the present disparity in educational standards
between the good and expensive private schools and
the poorly equipped public schools, the gap between
the rich and poor cannot be reduced.
- I am greatly bothered by
our failure to adopt a consistent and long range
policy on our population problem. The Philippine
Institute for Development Studies comments as follows: "rapid
population growth slows down economic growth, thereby
affecting increases in average incomes. The heavy
concentration of large families among the poor
also means worsening inequality."
- I am greatly bothered by
the inequalities of the present tax system. Employees
are paying their proper taxes while their employers
are not-this further
widens the income gap. A successful Filipino doctor
in Philadelphia, a graduate of this university, was
shocked at how little income was being declared by
his former UP classmates who were living in luxurious
houses and taking frequent vacations abroad.
- I am greatly bothered by
inefficient and inadequate government services
that should benefit the poor - irrigation
and farm services, garbage collection, water supply,
low cost funds for housing, efficient and affordable
transport in both urban and rural areas, and effective
health care.
- I am greatly bothered by
the lack of concern by the upper income group on
corruption in all sectors of the government - in
fact such corruption in the judiciary and legislative
and executive branches would not be possible if
the rich do not provide the funds!
- I am greatly bothered by the upper income groups
who try to escape from our difficulties by moving
much needed capital abroad rather than investing
in the country. Here again, it is the overseas workers
who bring in the much needed foreign exchange while
the upper income groups take out the funds.
- I am greatly bothered that
there is no Muslim in the Senate. With name recognition
needed to win a national election in the Philippines,
or in Tokyo and Osaka, should we not seriously
consider constitutional amendments to assure election
of better qualified persons? When two out of the
last four presidents were disposed off not by the
usual accepted means, isn't there some defect
in how we choose our national leaders?
- For many years I have also
commented on the unfairness of the tuition policy
of the university as it unnecessarily benefits
the upper class. Why should people who can afford
to send their children to private high schools
pay less tuition when they come to UP? For university
education, it would seem but proper to charge the
full cost of education to those who can afford it - so
that tax revenues can be used to improve education
for the bottom group. Have you thought of how much
a poor nation like the Philippines has lost when
those who receive subsidized education migrate abroad?
There have been 10 members
of my immediate family that have been beneficiaries
of UP's low tuition
policies when they could have paid the full cost of
the excellent education the university provided them.
To make up for this, I would like to make a donation
of 1 million for each of them for a total amount of
P10 million for the university.
May I suggest
that this amount be used to meet the needs of our economy
in math, science, information technology, and engineering
or in university endeavors which will reduce poverty?
I hope that recent developments will finally convince
our upper income groups that demonstrations are just
the beginning of a process that should reduce their
own privileges, increase their tax consciousness and
upgrade their ethical standards."
Washington SyCip challenged leaders in the Philippines
to raise standards, including the members of his own
family. Can we demand less of people in the United
States? On our website, www.brachercenter.com we
speak of: "A world has been created where the prevailing
structures promote the politics of convenience over the
commitment of leadership. Too large a part of the business
community still enjoys the excesses of luxury as it drifts
from quick deals to devastating dishonesty." The
economic engine that propels our free markets requires
longer-range thinking that next quarter's earnings
and the annual bonus payouts for those at the top. Trust
is central to success between individuals, societies,
businesses and nations. Commerce thrives on honesty
and withers when stakeholders ignore and disrespect one
another. What Mr. Washington SyCip outlined as
the mandate for the Philippines might easily be translated
as a blueprint for the renewal of integrity in America. It
should be common knowledge that free markets must operate
with integrity, a culture of compliance, or face increasing
government oversight. Early leaders of the United
States coined a phrase: "Live free or die." The
phrase for current times might be: "Do what
is right or leave, because integrity is what really matters."
Question: (E-229)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on March 8, 2006
"Students full of optimism"
I learned you recently spoke on a college campus about
integrity in leadership. How were your remarks
received?
Response:
On February 10 and 11, on the suburban Chicago campus
of Elmhurst College, my alma mater, student-leaders
asked me to discuss their "integrity in leadership" concerns.
Regarding feedback: "Jim Bracher's
presentation for our students on Integrity
in Leadership was insightful, relevant, and
a motivating call-to-action as this generation prepares
to enter the workforce. His extensive expertise, knowledge,
and research of the subject of integrity are clear,
while his enthusiasm for the subject and dynamic presentation
style paint an interesting and thought-provoking picture
which students can relate to and learn from. After
his presentation, I feel a renewed appreciation for
the concept, and feel better equipped to live and lead
with integrity and grace in an ever-changing world
where values aren't always a top priority." - Ms.
Jaclyn Sorci, '07 - Immediate Past-President - Student
Government Association - Elmhurst College, Elmhurst,
Illinois
Student frustrations seem the same as they were forty-two
years ago when I started college: food, grades,
discipline, the future, people with power - business
or politics - and autonomy. Some of their other
concerns:
- What can be done to blunt student apathy?
- How does one discover an integrity-centered place
to work?
- What does it take to get those in power to listen?
- How do you, Jim Bracher, maintain enthusiasm for
the integrity message in the face of tremendous resistance
by a society that appears self-absorbed, oblivious,
or worse, unwilling to even pretend to care about
doing the right thing?
- What is an honorable profession, now that law,
government, religion, education and business have
been tainted by scandals?
- Who exhibits integrity - and how can we identify
them when we meet them?
- Can powerful people be trusted?
- Did your efforts in social issues, in the 1960's
make a difference, long term?
- Why should we put ourselves under stress? Pressure
has ruined the lives of lots of folks we see, who
are older. Many of them seem to lack financial
security. Even some of those who might be well-off
appear bitter and frustrated.
Elmhurst College student-leaders remain optimistic. They
smile, study, think, formulate questions, take notes
and seem ready to find their opportunities to become
productive. As Astronaut Christa McAuliffe said,
before dying in the disastrous Challenger Space Program
accident, "I touch the future, I teach." Learn
from her. Return to your alma mater, or a local college
or university campus; teach a class: for an hour, a day,
a week or a semester. Go, listen and learn about
the enthusiasm of the next generation. Touch the future,
teach! Experience their optimism, renewing your
own hope.
Question: (E-230)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on April 5, 2006
"Wealth is in the eye of the beholder"
Is there a right way to teach the next generation
to show proper appreciation for the incredible life-style
that has been provided to them? How does
integrity apply?
Response:
Young people often emulate parents, for better and
worse. Adults, including mothers and fathers,
teachers and other leaders, set the tone for gracious
and humble appreciation. They teach integrity
and maturity, with words and actions. The race to acquire
and master every new toy, small or large, and be first
and best, in accomplishment and attire, sets a tone
about responsible stewardship. How fast does a computer
need to operate? Respect and tolerance are central
to the health of a culture. Perhaps the following "author-unknown" story
will clarify the problem. It portrays how one
father attempted to teach his son to appreciate being
really "well off." Pay attention to what
the son learned.
One day, a wealthy father took his son on
a short trip to poverty-stricken section of the country
with the purpose of exposing the youngster to how
less fortunate people live. The father and
son spent two days visiting and sharing a few meals
with a struggling family. The father asked
many questions and the son was quiet, making only
occasional comments. On their return home,
the father inquired, "How was the trip?" "It
was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor
people live?" the father asked. "Oh yes," said
the son. "So, what did you learn from
the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that
we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool
that reaches to the middle of our garden and they
have a creek that has no end. We have imported
lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at
night. Our patio reaches to the front yard
and they have the whole horizon. We have a
small piece of land to live on and they have fields
that go beyond our sight. We have people you
pay who serve us, but they serve one another.We
buy our food, but they grow theirs.We have
walls around our property to protect us; they have
friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless. Then
his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how
poor we are and how rich those are who might appear
to have so very little."
Recognizing different perspectives, including responses
from children, can be a wonderful thing. Wealth
and happiness are about appreciating what one has. Since
humans often teach best what they most need to learn;
the time is now to model appreciation and pay attention
to the priorities of our lives. Integrity, including
showing genuine appreciation, really matters.
Question: (E-231)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on March 15, 2006
"Integrity requires emotional security"
These are stressful times. Even when I strive to live
by your Eight Attributes of integrity- including exhibiting
character, honesty, etc. - there are still incredible
pressures. What are some effective ways to operate
to reduce my stresses; making my life more manageable?
Response:
Stress, within healthy limits for each individual,
can be positive, motivating and healthy. However,
there are seven questions you should answer about yourself
regarding how you rate your own emotional security.
Without a strong base of emotional security linked
to your own emotional integrity, you might simply run
in circles and spiral downward. Adding pressures,
of almost any kind, when one is already stretched to
the limits, can be risky. So, take this inventory,
designed by Dr. William Menninger, co-founder of the
Menninger Clinic in 1920, who offered this wisdom: "Mental
health problems do not affect three or four out of
every five persons, but one out of one."
His "Seven Signs of Emotional Security" provide
a sound definition for self-assessment of one's
ability to understand and cope with pressures related
to living a full life. How would you rate yourself
in these seven areas?
- Ability to deal constructively with reality.
- Capacity to adapt to change.
- Few symptoms of tension and anxiety.
- Ability to find more satisfaction in giving than
receiving.
- Capacity to consistently relate to others with
mutual satisfaction and helpfulness.
- Ability to direct hostile energy into constructive
outlets.
- Capacity to love.
Should you not be comfortable with your answers to
these seven aspects of emotional security, then you
might consider speaking with a qualified professional
who can provide assistance.
Emotionally secure individuals exhibit integrity (consistency
and congruence) between and among how they feel, think
and act. Healthy individuals bring their values from
family and home to workplace and social activities.
Their seamless integration of their private and public
lives causes others to be magnetically attracted to
them, trust them and want to be associated with them. Being
disconnected with reality along with an unhealthy resistance
to natural change often compounds tension and anxiety. When
self-centeredness pushes generosity and interpersonal
relationships into little more than operational transactions,
then practically any conflict will catapult honest
give-and-take into destructive confrontation. Genuine
loving relationships wither. The stressed individual
can experience isolation, bitterness or illness, maybe
all three.
Dr. Menninger mentions six essential qualities that are
the keys to success: sincerity, personal integrity, humility,
courtesy, wisdom and charity. Interestingly, our Eight
Attributes of Integrity - (character,
honesty, openness, authority, partnership, performance,
charity, and graciousness) - parallel the six success
qualities suggested by the famous psychiatrist. Integrity
demands congruence between values and actions, providing
individuals with strength, stability and confidence.
Question: (E-232)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on March 22, 2006
"National Web site locates child
sex predators"
You have discussed the risks to children created
by sexual predators, including cyber-pedophiles,
who use the internet. But what can be done
when sex offenders live in our neighborhoods, and
we are not aware?
Response:
Regarding protecting children from cyber-predators,
when using a computer in your home; reserve space for
internet usage that is in the flow of family activity.
Ask questions when the screen presents images or content
that make you uncomfortable. Bringing internet predators
to justice requires bold and supportive parenting,
beginning with being attentive to how young people
are using computers or being approached through cyberspace. My Integrity
Matters column on December 21, 2005: Internet
requires vigilance by parents mentioned that
law enforcement officials estimate that 50,000 predators
are online at any given moment and one in five young
people have been sexually solicited. Parents, families,
teachers, neighbors and others responsible for guiding
children must remain involved by staying close when
young people are online.
Thanks to responsive legislation, an online registry
of convicted sex offenders has been created, in the
United States. There is a need to know who these sex
offenders are and where they live. Are they next
door, near your child's school or close to where
your loved ones play? The frightening fact is
that many sex offenders are still on the prowl. The
good news is that you can locate them by accessing
a free, website: Family Watch Dog. http://www.familywatchdog.us Telephone: (949)
209-8768.
Family Watch Dog reports that 90%
of all sexual assaults against children are committed
by someone whom the victim knew. The typical sexual
predator will assault 30 to 60 times before being
caught. The re-arrest rate for convicted child molesters
is 52%.
Family Watch Dog's aim is
to constructively impact these percentages by ensuring
that all sexual predators are known. This service
exists for one reason: the founders were frustrated
by reading news reports about missing young children
who had been killed by registered sex offenders. They
decided to do something about it.
Family Watch Dog provides current information,
about the location, throughout the United States, of
registered sex offenders. To protect your family, your
neighborhood and yourself, browse their free website: http://www.familywatchdog.us. Enter
your address, or the address of those for whom you have
concerns, and study color maps pinpointing locations
of each registered sex offender living within the identified
area. You will also see a photograph and street
address of each registered sex offender, along with a
listing of their previous crimes. Pass along the
link, improving safety and possibly saving lives. Protecting
children from sex offenders is exercising appropriate
social responsibility, exhibiting integrity-centered
adult leadership. The time is now.
Question: (E-233)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on March 29, 2006
"Finding an honest broker takes work"
Bear Stearns recently bilked investors out of millions. They
are paying $250 million dollars in fines and damages,
disappointingly without admitting or denying charges. How
can I find an investment advisor with integrity?
Response:
Until a culture of compliance becomes the norm for
how investment houses operate, thievery will continue,
enabling money-schemers to con their clients while
pocketing incredible profits. When a 26- year
old trader complains that his annual bonus was less
than a million dollars, then many hard working investors
will question the integrity of the financial advisory
business. Is it about legitimate customer service or
marginalizing decisions simply to claw bonus dollars
from unsuspecting investors? Illegal market timing
practices by unscrupulous brokers are an industry cancer.
Neither the federal government nor its incredibly
complex laws will have a positive sustained impact
until society demands and enforces integrity, from
the top down and from the bottom up. In the meantime,
The New York Stock Exchange and the Securities and
Exchange Commission are challenging financial advisors
and investment firms to clean up their acts.
Finding a competent and credible financial advisor
in the inter-connected world of investments demands
serious due diligence. Securing accurate information
regarding custodial integrity is hard work, requiring
perseverance. Not only must the credentials of
the advisor be transparent, but there must also be
full disclosure of how assets are going to be held
in custody. Learn with whom your financial advisor
might be placing your investments and ask for the same
careful assessment to be applied. Here are Twelve "financial
advisor" Performance Expectations - adapted from
the Certified Financial Board of Standards:
- Experience?
- Qualifications?
- Services?
- Approach?
- Responsibility and accountability?
- Disclosure of sources of income?
- Typical costs?
- Conflicts of interest?
- Public discipline for unlawful or unethical actions?
- Written agreement, including
references and track record?
- Level of comfort and trust?
- Scores earned (quality of performance in each
integrity-centered leadership attribute, on a
scale of 1 to 10) utilizing Bracher Center's
Eight Attributes© of
an Integrity-Centered Organization?
Weak |
------------ |
Strong |
|
|
1 |
|
10 |
|
1. CHARACTER: consistency between
word and deed. |
1 |
|
10 |
|
2. HONESTY: truthful communication |
1 |
|
10 |
|
3. OPENNESS: operational transparency. |
1 |
|
10 |
|
4. AUTHORITY: employee encouragement. |
1 |
|
10 |
|
5. PARTNERSHIP: honor obligations. |
1 |
|
10 |
|
6. PERFORMANCE: accountability
throughout the organization. |
1 |
|
10 |
|
7. CHARITY: generous community
stewardship. |
1 |
|
10 |
|
8. GRACIOUSNESS: respect and
discipline. |
With your own answers to the 12 Performance
Expectations, including an accurate assessment using
the Eight Attributes© - you will be in
position to identify an integrity-centered investment advisor when you:
- Know what you want.
- Find out what they provide.
- Understand how they will deliver your results.
- Require congruence between their goals and yours.
- Monitor performance regularly, remaining alert to trends that are
inconsistent with desired objectives.
- Continue to pay only for results that you want.
- Remember, it is your money!
Question: (E-234)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on April 12, 2006
"Security tops the 'motivation' list"
What is the most effective way to motivate others?
Response:
Human beings need, in addition to food, clothing, shelter,
education and training; reassurance, respect, recognition
and rewards. Wise leaders incorporate these
nine substantive obligatory-responses in order to effectively
guide, teach, mentor, parent, direct or represent (whether
through public office or private profession). Motivation
begins with listening. Over and over, motivated
individuals who are enthusiastic and high-performing,
say that those for whom they most like to work pay
genuine attention to them. Leaders enable those
with whom they come in contact to feel reassured, respected,
recognized and rewarded. Effective motivators,
in positions of leadership, pay for performance and
enable those who work with and for them to care for
their own loved ones. Appropriate salaries and
high-quality benefits, including insurance, education
and training, communicate that all stakeholders are
important, extending to members of employee families
- biological, extended and social.
Listening, leadership and character are the behavioral
building blocks of motivation. Perceptive observers,
and that includes most of the people with whom we come
in contact, know just how much consistency exists between
what leaders say and what they do. It is true
that one cannot really fool most of the people most
of the time. They see. They know. They
remember.
So, how does an individual in a position of power
make sure that these nine substantive obligatory-responses
are being communicated? The answer is simple: learn
them, understand them and live them - all the
time.
Questions that persons of influence need to be able
to answer:
- Do those you intend to motivate have access and
capability to purchase healthy food?
- Are you confident that those for whom you are a
steward are able to provide proper clothing for themselves
and those for whom they are responsible?
- What is the quality of housing of those you have
chosen to lead?
- Is the education they are afforded adequate to
leverage their talent and the capabilities of those
they support?
- Will the training provided enable them to build
substantively for the future?
- Is the culture of the organization one of encouragement
and nurture?
- Do all stakeholders know that dignity and respect
are central to how decisions are made and actions
carried out?
- Is achievement identified and celebrated on a regular
and frequent basis, identifying those who have made
notable sacrifices and constructive contributions?
- Are individuals able to see their value in the
form of rewards, whether in terms of new title, greater
influence, more money or enlarged responsibilities?
Integrity-centered leaders say "yes" to all
of the above. Motivated individuals have come to
expect "yes" answers and are more productive
when they know those in positions of power and influence
know, care and are willing to take actions to address
problem areas. Integrity Matters in
matters of motivation!
Question: (E-235)
published in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column on April 19, 2006
"Lincoln's approach still rings true"
Can integrity play a role in improving the current
global crisis of wars and international misunderstandings?
Response:
Yes. Integrity is built, one action and relationship
at a time. Although turning the clock back is
impossible; studying wise leaders from the past can
be instructive. President Abraham Lincoln, the unsophisticated
and essentially un-educated country lawyer from Illinois,
possessed insights worthy of emulation, personally
and professionally. His horse-and-buggy wisdom
has application in our rocket-propelled, internet world. - excerpts
and concepts attributed to Doris Kearns Goodwin's "The
True Lincoln" from Master
of the Game.
- Courage: Lincoln placed
his three most powerful rivals onto his Cabinet;
explaining he did not want to deny the nation their
service.
- Compassion: His issue
was slavery, ours is immigration. He sought to understand
the positions held by his opponents, avoiding condemnation. He
sought to absorb their sorrows and hopes, sense their
shifting moods and mold their opinion with the right
words and deeds at the right time. Walking
in another's shoes was never more necessary
than today - nationally and internationally.
- Humor: Using funny
stories about his personal flaws broke tensions,
redirected energies and enabled conflict to find
resolution outside rigid thinking. Whether confronting
road rage or political intolerance, developing perspective
on the sameness of our feeble efforts might reduce
tempers while increasing understanding.
- Forgiveness: Lincoln behaved as
if no person dedicated to making the most of life's
opportunities could afford to waste time on personal
contention. With the right attitude, even those with
whom one might have conflicts can become part of
a positive solution, if they are neither humiliated
nor discarded along the way.
- Graciousness: Lincoln
took responsibility for the errors of his generals
and cabinet members while enabling them to stand
in the limelight, even when he had contributed heavily
to their successes.
- Perspective: Lincoln saw beyond
the hard drinking of Ulysses S. Grant while appreciating
the General's ability to lead a war effort. When
his Secretary of State, John Seward, ignored his
directive, he resolved their conflicts to prevent
the nation from losing Seward's talents. He
understood priorities.
- Self-control: The
15th President wrote blunt letters to those with
whom he was disappointed, but seldom mailed them.
He recognized the importance of keeping lines of
communication open; seeking to repair relationships
before they escalated into lasting animosity.
- Balance: Enjoying
the theater was Lincoln's way of escaping the
pressures of the American Civil War that had polarized
and very nearly devastated his nation. Constructive
diversions revitalize the worn and tired, enabling
them to return to their responsibilities, more fully
energized.
- Social responsibility: The Emancipation
Proclamation was always, for Lincoln, about leaving the
world a better place. And, so it is, today - choosing
legacy over ego!
Question: (E-236)
published
in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column
on April 26, 2006
"Our society
has an obligation to educate"
Time Magazine, April
17, 2006, reports that 30% of
American high school students
drop out before graduation. Is
the integrity of our society
at risk with this failure of
our schools?
Response:
Yes. Effective education
enables individuals to solve
problems, understand an increasingly-
complex society and compete in
a global economy. Learning
equips current and future generations
with building blocks that expand
understanding of self, community,
culture, business, politics,
spirituality, music, art, nature
and citizens from around the
world. With millions of
young people not completing this
basic high school education building
block; too many risk becoming
adrift and will be ill-equipped
to function constructively. Others
will fall prey to drugs, crime
and a cycle of spiraling-poverty
and bitterness. Prison
statistics confirm that those
who fall through the cracks too
early often end up behind bars. Feeling
intellectually-frustrated and
emotionally-stifled, they become
casualties of ignorance: not
only their own, but also the
ignorance of parents, role models
and teachers.
Educators are convenient targets
to blame when young people are
turned off and drop out. And,
many of them should shoulder
a significant amount of the blame. Research
suggests that 20% of all youngsters
have some form of a learning
disability. Perhaps they
have dyslexia or simply a different
learning style, making traditional
learning processes difficult. So,
how many educators are qualified
to assess differing learning
styles and present materials
in ways that capitalize on learning
styles of those who simply learn
differently? With a 30%
drop out rate, the answer is:
mot nearly enough! Based
upon consulting with 8000 managers
and executives during 26 years
in leadership development, we
identified 20% with classic dyslexic
behaviors: painstaking reading,
tendencies to "freeze" with
numbers and finance, including
math, and visual-spatial and
verbal disconnects.
Parents of dropouts are accountable,
many having earlier created a
similar path for themselves. Previous
generations were not well-informed
about multiple learning styles. Today,
when teachers and parents fail
to incorporate proven "teaching" methods
to respond effectively to individual
learning needs - then what
can society expect? Wounded
pride and continuous frustration
can drive even the most persistent
people away. Relatively-fragile
young people are frustrated and
drop out.
Those who earn all "A's" might
naturally select teaching, able
to sustain academia. The "B'" students
can manage business, social and
government activities so that society
can function. "C" students,
along with those who receive some "D's" and
even a few "F's",
might become entrepreneurs - seeing
opportunities where others see
obstacles. And, until more
responsive and practical education
is offered to those who are on
the edge of "dropping out";
the young American talent pool
will continue to deteriorate along
with America's ability to
compete and prosper.
Question: (E-237)
published
in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column
on May 3, 2006
"Quality medicine
tied to integrity"
You have discussed in your weekly Integrity
Matters column faulty
medical devices and your concerns
about the health risks created
for patients, more than once. Next
week I am having a second Guidant
defibrillator surgically removed,
and a third one implanted. Is
this an engineering problem
or an integrity issue
Response:
Perfection is an elusive goal. However,
health providers are held to
a higher standard, or at least
they should be. Whether
it is the ambulance team, emergency
room professionals, staff at
a physician's office, surgeons,
hospital employees, or the makers
of the equipment that assists
with the diagnosis and treatment
of those with health issues - 100%
quality is required.
Your situation is disturbing. You have a heart problem and your medical
team has advised your working with the same equipment provider, now for a third
time. If this is the only reputable manufacturer of the device that you
need, your dilemma is obvious. You are caught in the frustrating situation
of not knowing how many times you can go through the "drill" - which
is likely becoming increasingly stressful without increasing harm to your own
health. Anxiety must be hounding you and your loved ones.
Obviously, you have sought medical counsel. What about second opinions,
third opinions? Perhaps someone other than the surgeon directing you to
this process should assess your readiness - physically and emotionally - to
go through this invasive surgical procedure again. Only you can make the
decision for what you are willing to endure.
If you were purchasing an automobile, how many "lemons" would tolerate
from the same dealer or manufacturer? Perhaps you are simply a statistical
anomaly and will be "good to go" with the third installation of the
important heart device. Certainly, your report is about quality in manufacturing. It
may be about integrity, but, rest assured, there will be those eager to help
you file a lawsuit - possibly for a variety of reasons.
My research on this topic would indicate that an overwhelming number of these
defibrillators are surgically implanted and work effectively. Your situation
is different. The procedure for this replacement is described as minor
surgery. My father said, "Minor surgery happens to other people. All
my surgery is major because it is on me."
Advice - if possible and not risking your health:
- consult with other medical
professionals, soon
- get help in finding an alternative
product
- insist on additional performance-testing
on the device, should your
advisors and you conclude to
proceed with the same manufacturer
- review the results and, when
confident
- proceed
Technology, quality, medicine and
integrity are tied together and
your life depends upon that integrated
connection being solid and predictable.
Question: (E-238)
published
in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column
on May 10, 2006
"Call it what
you want: Plagiarism is cheating"
William H. Swanson is the 57
year-old chief executive of Raytheon,
a multi-billion dollar military
contractor. He serves
on the board at Sprint Nextel. He
was just "outed" for
plagiarizing. Why would
a rich and powerful guy stoop
so low? His "Unwritten
Rules of Management" were
copied - sometimes word
for word - from the 1944 writings
of another engineer, W.J. King,
who wrote "The Unwritten
Laws of Engineering." Where
is Swanson's integrity?
Response:
Your questions about plagiarism
confirm the need for an intelligent
and effective architecture of
integrity, in many areas of our
society. Powerful individuals
fall prey to ego, greed and self-inflicted
lies. These folks believe their
own press clippings. Restoring
social and emotional integrity
requires a behavior-shaping framework. And
here is a reason why: can
you name a profession or enterprise
that has not been tainted by
corruption or malfeasance? Human
beings need clear guidelines
with meaningful consequences.
Two recent plagiarism stories underscore this widespread disease in our society. Is
the issue about cheating or getting caught? For too many it is the latter. Swanson's
behavior at Raytheon was wrong and so too the sophomore at Harvard College, Ms.
Kaavya Viswanathan, whose now infamous debut-novel, was little more than a cut-and-paste
job. Downloading the work of others, without attribution, is dishonest. Yes,
mistakes can be made - but not a whole book's worth.
The Bracher Center for Integrity
was launched, in 2002, because
we recognized that values such
as integrity, perseverance, and
commitment were being averaged-down
in a misguided search for consensus
and convenience. It is
fundamentally wrong to accept
that to get along you always
have to go along. The excesses
of a few appear to have punished
the whole of society, including
the moral confidence way too
many people. Prevailing
structures promote the politics
of convenience over the commitment
of leadership, quality or integrity.
Too large a part of the business
community enjoys the excesses
of luxury as it continues to
drift from quick deals to devastating
dishonesty, winking as rules,
laws and constructive values
are ignored.
According to President Theodore
Roosevelt: "The things
that will destroy America are
prosperity at any price, peace
at any price, safety first instead
of duty first, the love of soft
living, and the get-rich-quick
theory of life."
Any thinking adult understands
that "integrity is one of
several paths; distinguishing itself
from the others because it is the
right path and the only one upon
which you will never get lost." -- M.H.
McKee. The harsh reality
is that success comes before work,
but only in the dictionary. If
achievement was that easy, then
everyone would be rich and famous.
Integrity, in all activities, is
the best policy.
Question: (E-239)
published
in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column
on May 17, 2006
"Exit exam
makes sure that students measure
up"
Passing the California High
School Exit Exam was supposed
to verify that graduating seniors
were qualified to progress to
the next step of their lives - college,
work, military service or whatever. Without
integrity standards, how will
an employer or a college admissions
officer know what someone understands
or can process - even with
a high school diploma?
Response:
Without some legitimate validation
tool regarding performance abilities,
a diploma's impact is diminished. Sooner
or later, individuals need to
prove what they know and demonstrate
what they can do; which is one
purpose of interviews. Those
who learn and are able to communicate
what they know (possessing a
meaningful diploma) will continue
to progress. The rest
will fall further behind: socially,
culturally and economically.
Bright educators, examination
designers and wise administrators
offer conflicting positions on
the most effective way to make
sure that substantive learning
has occurred. Written examinations
pose problems related to the
content, design and fairness. Legitimate
concerns about bias issues make
even setting up uniform standards
a nightmare for those responsible
for assessing comprehension. Effective
education informs, inspires,
prepares, nurtures and enables
individuals. Even with
solid building blocks in the
three "R's" - Readin',
Ritin' and ‘Rithmetic
- students must be able to communicate
what they know. If essays
or interviews need to be added
to the standardized-testing program
to accommodate different processing
modes, then include them, immediately.
If there is no "qualifying
examination" - then
the words of one high school
principal need to be taken seriously: "We're
not going to hold [seniors] accountable
and it doesn't set the
right tone." (Principal
Darren Sylvia, Everett Alvarez
High School)
The "real" world
has clear standards for integrity
that depend upon individual accountability
and competence. Standards
of excellence do not change simply
because they are demanding. To
keep a job in a pizza restaurant,
as an hourly worker, an employee
must be able to perform certain
tasks, communicate learned competencies
to peers and superiors and pass
certain tests; including effective
customer relations. To
operate a forklift and continue
to be paid, there are certain
requirements, both physical and
mental, that are non-negotiable. And,
the illustrations go on and on. A
high school diploma must be earned
and represent intellectual achievement.
In an ever-increasingly complex
and global society, it is not acceptable
to say that one simply attended
classes. Understanding and
applying math and science are not
the luxury of the privileged; they
are essential for living in web-based,
technological and scientific society. Written
and verbal skills, along with interpersonal
insights, will separate those who
prosper from those who struggle.
Educational integrity requires
that legitimate learning maintain
uncompromising standards that can
be tested and communicated.
Question: (E-240)
published
in Jim Bracher's Integrity
Matters newspaper column
on May 24, 2006
"Basic ethics
should need no instruction"
Monterey County officials are
seeking tighter controls regarding
the use of county credit cards
in the wake of suspected abuses. Is
it necessary to spend our tax
dollars to train officials to
distinguish between right and
wrong?
Response:
No, and how discouraging that
adults need to be treated like
rebellious children! According
to one report, "training
about the proper use of credit
cards may be expanded for high-level
employees who receive them for
on-the-job expenses." What
kind of clarity is still needed
when credit cards are provided
for business purposes? When
there is any question about whether
or not an expense is business-related, "business" credit
cards should NOT be used. A
personal credit card should pay
any "questionable" expense. Later
the charge can be reviewed by
appropriate authorizing agents
who can determine legitimate
reimbursement.
Youngsters understand right
behavior. They know when
they are asked to go into the
store to purchase food; they
are not to squander the money
on candy and frivolous items. And,
so do adults.
The Bracher Center's first
two Integrity-Centered Attributes
make the point clearly:
- CHARACTER is consistency
between word and deed. Leaders
must exhibit congruence between
what they say and what they
do, as well as what they
say about what they did.
An eight year-old from the
Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey
County told me that character
was "what people do
when no one is watching." Credit-card
abuse is wrong.
- HONESTY is truthful
communication that is reflected
by leaders - including
public servants - who would
never engage in, intentionally,
or sanction, misrepresentation.
Using business credit cards
for non-business activities is
not solved with training. It
is resolved at the point of hiring
and vetting. Stealing money
using a credit card is wrong
and against the law. Allow
me to make the point of just
how ridiculous this issue has
become. Enjoying
humor and comedy, loving to tickle
my "funny bone" - I
often watch re-runs of a television
comedy series called Seinfeld. In
one episode, the goofy character,
George, is confronted by his
boss who asks George a question: "Did
you have sex, in your office,
with the woman who cleans our
offices, last evening?" - To
which George asks who provided
the boss with such disturbing
information. George's
supervisor indicates that the
cleaning woman herself reported
the incident. With a long
pause, George appears to ponder
the dilemma and then says to
his upset boss: "Was
that wrong?" And,
then to add more fuel to the
fire, George continues with his
idiocy: "I don't
recall anything specific about
a situation like this ever being
discussed in my employee orientation." George
was fired, immediately. Solid,
powerful humor!
Irresponsible behaviors risk reputations
and careers!
<<
Back
