There will be several turning points in all our lives – and in fact we may have to reach this most important point many times. It is the point at which we make the decision: “I will live by my conscience from this time forward to the best of my ability. I will not allow my voice, social mirror, scripting, even my own rationalizing, to speak more clearly to me than the voice of conscience and, whatever the consequence, I will follow it!”
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles”.
Of all the principles that guide us, the two most essential to peace of mind are contribution –making a valuable difference – and conscience – being trustworthy – to oneself and to others.
We know that our Company will only be as strong as the intelligence, judgment and character of our employees.
Our people...our values...our principles...they are the one competitive advantage that cannot be duplicated. Technology can be copied, capital can be bought, and strategies can be gleaned from what we do and from what others write. But values...principles...these cannot be copied and picked up. They flow with the heritage and character of the people who have been with and are with the Company today...the way we work together and the expectations we have of one another.
It is most difficult and often most important for you to hold your ground when you are most alone. Only conviction, strength of character and courage will let you do this. But there will be times in your life when it will be all-important. Times when we must hold on to our convictions –not being swayed by others – even those of great repute.
(An excerpt from my personal memoir, "As Good as it Gets", 2018)
So true John. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery true and more relevant than ever.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteJohn, so very well said and especially at this time in America.
ReplyDeleteThe words do matter.
ReplyDeleteJohn, Well put and well exemplified. It is remarkable that P&G Alums share a common bond because of the culture of trust and internal discipline that most people individually experienced from the collective leadership embodiment within the P&G environment. Wherever we are those profound principles & values are engrained in our professional & personal development as a trustworthy human being. Namaste.
ReplyDelete