Integrity Matters Broadcasts
January 11, 2006
Integrity for Generation X'ers
Dear Friends:
Will you help us to expand the
integrity conversation with the next generation of leaders,
Generation X, before it is too late?
This message, from a veteran policeman, is very disturbing.
He said to me: "My boss is a Chief of Police. He
predicts that ethical behavior is on the decline among
police officers; at least as it was defined in
your book, Integrity Matters. Too many younger police
officers are becoming increasingly permissive; not
wanting to supervise by making judgment calls and
risking losing their popularity with peers. Fun
times with members of their work groups are often more important to
them than rewards and recognition that might come
from personal and professional leadership growth.
It seems to my boss and me that some
younger members of our police department (middle management
who are Generation X'ers of today) are running from accountability.
We observe them standing by while our justice system - at
least the police work side of the process - spirals downward.
We are concerned. This is an integrity issue and it
needs to be addressed, soon."
If Generation X'ers are abdicating
responsibility (not just on police forces but in other
areas as well) beyond his city in the Midwest - modern
culture is moving down a path that could lead
to increased crime and corruption - pervasive
and demoralizing - and certainly more destructive - than
might have been imagined. So,
what can be done?
Solution: step back, determine what you can pass along, set
aside adequate time and teach the next generation;
learning as you teach. Some of the disappointing behaviors
being described were have been modeled by those to whom
these younger people have been watching in many important
positions throughout society. Fortunately, many of those
we know have recognized the signals and are attempting
to stem the tide of cynicism and isolation of younger people.
They are returning to classrooms, at many levels, to teach,
more than content; they are modeling character. Those of
you who have been investing in youth have inspired me.
In 2004: I was approached by the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Monterey County, California: http://www.brachercenter.com/article_BoysAndGirlsClub.html;
and in 2005: an invitation was extended
for me to provide a program for parents at St. Andrew's
School in Los Gatos, California, applying integrity-centered
parenting insights that I had gained by listening to young
people who made- very practical - our Eight
Attributes of an Integrity-Centered Organization: http://www.brachercenter.com/article_parenting_integrity.html
On Saturday, February 11, 2006, at 11:00 a.m at
the request of the Student Government Association of
my alma mater, Elmhurst College, in Elmhurst, Illinois, I
will speak about Integrity in Leadership. These young people
very much want the public - folks like you who are reading
this - to attend. Student leaders want to know how to find
integrity-centered organizations - as places to work;
integrity-centered mentors and bosses - to emulate.
They want answers before they are further infected
by the counter-productive attitudes (and illustrations)
of those who would corrupt the system - from disgusting
pedophiles and corrupt politicians to profiteering
crooks and lying media powerbrokers. Maybe you, or
someone you know and respect in the greater Chicago area,
might attend, confirming for these young people that the
vast majority of those engaged in leadership are
decent and hard working.
Yes, my presentation has been prepared. However, the
notes that will be brought home will likely become a
part of the next Broadcast; offering
our readers even greater value. It does really start and
end with listening.
Perhaps you and your friends, or those you know in the Chicago
area, would be able to attend. If you can, please contact
the Elmhurst College Student Government Association,
using the information below. It will be good to see you and /or meet
your friends who share a concern that we must provide integrity
guidance for
Generation X'ers and those who may
be older or younger and need reminding that verbal handshakes
are still legitimate ways to operate.
Intending
to avoid coming across as self-righteous, it is wise to remember
that "we teach best what we most need to learn" and
that means I should teach patience.
The Vision of the Bracher Center for Integrity in Leadership remains
the same: restore integrity through insight. And this means to educate, nurture
and support "a world in which people do what they say, are forthright
in their communications, and a handshake solidifies any promise."
Sincerely,
Jim
