Rebuilding Your Life and Reputation 610.4
Larry wrote me the following letter: “I’ve been a small businessman for almost 23 years in a business where people lie, cheat, and steal. I’m sorry to say I became one of them. In the short term it may have helped, but long term it came back to haunt me. There’s no amount of success that’s worth it. I am now 48 years old. I have lost my good name. My values and ethics have been destroyed. Will I ever be able to restore my reputation and lead a life of integrity?”
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What a pity that so many people delude themselves into believing that traditional ethical principles like honesty and integrity don’t apply in the business world. They govern their daily decisions by pragmatism (what works) without reference to principles (what’s right). Piece-by-piece, decision-by-decision, they sell their souls and sully their names until they find themselves naked and alone on the barren wasteland of moral compromise.
The good news is, Larry can start leading a life of integrity immediately. He can redeem himself and become a man of character simply by choosing to be honest, responsible, respectful, caring, and fair.
The bad news is, his reputation will take longer to restore. Character is what you are; reputation is what people think you are. Since people are more likely to judge us by our last worst act rather than our most virtuous habits, rebuilding a reputation can take years of honorable living.
Still, each phase of one’s life brings new opportunities for learning and growth. If Larry wants it badly enough, the best part of his life is ahead.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
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Comments
I was falsely accused of assaulting a disturbed employee. I was actually consoling her while she was sobbing. Fortunately, there were eyewitnesses. However, the Board Chairman fired me and went on television saying I was guilty without having conducted an investigation or allowing the police to do so. My reputation and career of 15 years as CEO of that organization was distroyed.
I was able to avoid the pitfalls of vengeful feelings. I maintained my character and integrity, but my life was turned upside down. I moved from that community. Although the stories have followed me, my new employer trusted me and gave me a chance. I've started my life over. Looking back, I am proud I didn't get into a fight with a skunk - I don't stink - though my reputation does in that community.
Posted by: Cathie | March 20, 2009 6:42 AM
Nice article. I am putting together a series of topics/lessons for youth, and this is something I agree is so important.
"The decisions we make today are who we become tomorrow" is one of the quotes I use to myself and children.
Also, I tell myself and others we need to make decisions according to who we want to become, not who we presently are.
I love your website and what you have going on.
God bless you.
Posted by: Larry D Schultz | March 20, 2009 7:39 AM
If you're looking for honesty, you should have included this important question in your poll:
"Yes, and though I didn't get caught, I felt bad and decided it wasn't worth doing again."
Posted by: Jenn Cain | March 20, 2009 8:36 AM
I agree with JC - this should have been an option. It would apply in many cases....
If you're looking for honesty, you should have included this important question in your poll:
"Yes, and though I didn't get caught, I felt bad and decided it wasn't worth doing again."
Posted by: Anonymous | March 27, 2009 9:45 AM