Up With The Chickens
Waking before 5AM in the gathering morning light, my mission took me to Park Ridge. One benefit of a early start is once the client obligations are taken care of–enough of the day remains for reflection, and perhaps for a non routine project.
During my return drive on 294 I listened to a few minutes of testimony of former FBI Director Comey. I was impressed with his professional demeanor, and his measured verbal expression. He is quite a good writer as shown by excerpts read from a memo written at the time of the events for which testimony is now being taken. I would be able to work for this guy. I regret that he was dismissed from his job as FBI director.
The reportage of the question and answer session between Comey and the Senate committee prompted me to reflect upon the factors involved in being truthful, in meaning what you say. Follow through on promises is not easy in my experience. Only ignorance, a dearth of self-knowledge–would lead one to think that truthful speech is easy as flipping a light switch.
Want to be noticed? Then deliver on what you promise. Be assured you will be noticed. A track record of follow through is impressive. “Talk is cheap but actions are like gold.”
Slippage between our commitments and our actions arise from our desire to please others, failure to have clear priorities, and unfinished work on some guiding principles. We just don’t know when to say “yes” or “no” to requests. Indeed these obstructions are all natural. Who does not want to please those around us, to be accepted, to be regarded as competent, to avoid conflict? A hard look at these needs shows that they are short-term revolving around my own insecurity.
There is work to be done. What can I do today to build confidence?
