Why virtue matters
Even when it hurts, it’s good.
New research from the University of Notre Dame found that
people can purposefully and dramatically reduce their
everyday occurrences of lying, and in doing so, significantly
improve their physical health.
Not only that, the “Science of Honesty” study also revealed
that truth-tellers improved their interpersonal relationships
and enjoyed smoother social interactions than when they
used to whitewash their lives with lies.
Well, whadayaknow?
Slippery as the truth can be, it’s absolutely better applied
than denied.
In the workplace, corporate values are often on-topic when
casting visions and fashioning mission statements. And,
when agreed upon and practiced, are effective guideposts in shaping policies, programs and procedures.
But defining values for personal and corporate gain comes with intrinsic dangers. Take for instance the
much-bantered-about “Family Values.” Whose are we talking about? “Traditional” Family Values? Gay
and Lesbian Family Values? Addams Family Values? Obviously, there are as many values as there are
individuals and circumstances.
Despite how noble the term seems, values are relative and subject to variation and interpretation. They
are certainly not universally applicable. How about the value of Tolerance? Seems fair, sounds good,
right? But only when practiced judiciously! Should we be
equally tolerant of artistic expression as human trafficking?
So values are and must be fluid for an individual, a work
team or a society to function successfully. But to build on
bedrock and absolutely flourish requires embracing not just
values, but virtues.
Truth be told, virtues matter
in every leadership decision,
every personal relationship,
every strategic plan, every
course of action.
Virtues aren’t some quaint holdovers from the Victoria Era.
And they may not be in vogue. But by their very nature, virtues are universal and absolute standards
that do not change with circumstances, time, or point of view. When practiced, they always support
moral excellence and collective well-being.
Unlike disputable values, virtues of self-control, courage, patience, perseverance, persistence,
compassion, kindness, gratitude, courtesy, dependability, and integrity (among dozens of others) are
always profitable for mind, body and spirit, as the Notre Dame study on honesty begins to quantify.
Truth be told, virtues matter in every leadership decision, every personal relationship, every strategic
plan, every course of action. When you exemplify virtuous character:
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You model trustworthy principles and promote the same advantageous and healthy behaviors in
those you lead.
You stimulate intellectual development, professional competence and corporate responsibility
in your spheres of influence.
Your customers, clients, colleagues, and even your competitors notice and respect your worth.
You can recover more quickly and fully from missteps and mistakes.
You strengthen and solidify beneficial and profitable habits.
You can overcome the negative effects of self-centeredness, ignorance, arrogance, poisonous
attitudes and unethical behaviors around you.
You exert influence over your own personal and professional future.
You avoid moral entrapments and legal troubles.
Your career will flourish and you will prosper physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
You build an enduring legacy of worthy accomplishments and transformational results for those
who follow.
You become a respected difference-maker in your family, your company, your profession, your
community, and your world: Honest!
MasterPoint 77
Virtues matter.
©Tim Herd
www.timherd.com/blog
[email protected]
Tim Herd is a career executive with extensive service in both private and public sector enterprises. He was the
founder and CEO of America’s first fully mobile environmental education center, and has been nationally recognized
for his “commitment and exceptional contributions to the stewardship of America’s natural and cultural resources.”