{"id":9443,"date":"2024-11-26T06:53:15","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T10:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/become-your-best-self-by-skip-prichard\/"},"modified":"2024-11-26T06:53:15","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T10:53:15","slug":"become-your-best-self-by-skip-prichard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/become-your-best-self-by-skip-prichard\/","title":{"rendered":"BECOME Your Best Self | by Skip Prichard"},"content":{"rendered":"

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To My Readers: I\u2019m honored to republish, with permission, \u201cUnleash the Power of Moral Character<\/em><\/a>\u201d\u00a0by Skip Prichard, originally featured on the Leadership Insights <\/em>blog on June 11, 2024. Skip is an accomplished CEO and growth-oriented business leader, best-selling author, and global keynote speaker. His views have been featured in print and broadcast media including the BBC<\/em>, The New York Times<\/em>, CNN<\/em>, NPR<\/em>, The Daily Beast<\/em>, Harvard Business Review<\/em>, Information Today<\/em>, Forbes<\/em>, Writer\u2019s Digest<\/em>, The Bookseller<\/em>, Publishers Weekly<\/em>, and the Library Journal<\/em>. During an interview with him, we discussed moral character and how people can lead fulfilling lives by embracing strong values.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Frank Sonnenberg<\/p>\n

Unleash the Power of Moral Character<\/h3>\n

By Skip Prichard with Frank Sonnenberg<\/p>\n

In our interview about his latest book, we explore Frank\u2019s insights on moral character and how individuals can lead fulfilling lives by embracing strong values. He shares his journey and the essence of living a life of integrity, offering practical advice from his latest book.<\/p>\n

Skip Prichard: <\/strong><\/span>Frank, your book emphasizes the transformative power of moral character. Can you share a personal story where you witnessed a leader\u2019s moral character directly influence their team\u2019s success or failure?<\/p>\n

Frank Sonnenberg:<\/strong><\/span> Some folks think it doesn\u2019t matter what management style you use as long as you achieve your goals. They assume that being an authoritarian, tyrant, bully, control freak (use any label you want) won\u2019t come back to haunt you one day.\u00a0The truth is that real power isn\u2019t the result of controlling<\/em> people; it\u2019s created by empowering folks and forging commitment, leading by example, and providing meaning and purpose. By its very nature, there\u2019s no need to force people into compliance. When people follow orders, they go through the motions\u2026but when they have a vested interest in the outcome, they follow their heart.<\/p>\n

I consider myself extremely blessed to have reported to David A. Tierno, former Senior Partner, Management Consulting Group, Ernst and Young (EY), for over a decade. Dave was an incredibly effective leader, but what made Dave so special was how he achieved success. Some people talk about honor and integrity; others lead by example. Dave never had to pull rank or resort to command and control to get results. He led Ernst & Young\u2019s Management Consulting Group to new heights because he was knowledgeable, admired, trusted, and respected. I haven\u2019t worked for Dave in over 30 years and I, like so many others, would still move heaven and earth for him.<\/p>\n

Skip Prichard: <\/strong><\/span>You discuss the importance of being true to oneself over managing public perception. How can leaders practice authenticity in environments that heavily reward performance and outcomes?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Frank Sonnenberg:<\/strong><\/span> People care so much about their popularity, their appearance, and their status. They care about what people think, whether others approve, and how they measure up. What\u2019s more, people buy things to appear successful and even lower their personal standards to gain acceptance. That\u2019s a hefty price to pay. But how are you viewed by the person you spend the most amount of time with \u2014 yourself?<\/p>\n

We spend so much time worrying about our image, and so little time thinking about who we really are. Are you a good person? Are you proud of the way that you live your life? Would you want to be friends with yourself? Would you be happy if your kids followed in your footsteps?<\/p>\n

The problem arises when people become fixated on being liked, causing perception to overshadow reality. In this scenario, you cede control of your life to others. While you hold your character in your hands, your reputation is at the mercy of others. As John Wooden, the legendary college basketball coach, said, \u201cBe more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because\u00a0your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.\u201d The point is, if we invested more time and effort in strengthening our moral character, we wouldn\u2019t need to worry about the impression we\u2019re making. So, any time someone asks you who you\u2019re trying to impress your answer should always be \u201cmyself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Skip Prichard: <\/strong><\/span>Standing up for what\u2019s right can be a lonely journey, especially for leaders. What advice do you have for leaders who find themselves isolated because of their values?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Frank Sonnenberg:<\/strong> <\/span>It can be lonely to stand up for what\u2019s right. Quite frankly, it\u2019s hard to remain true to your values when you\u2019re pressured to abandon them, to call out bad behavior when everyone looks the other way, and to tell the truth\u00a0when you know you\u2019ll become the object of scorn. You may get bullied, ridiculed, cancelled, and even punished for doing the honorable thing.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to compromise your values, lower your standards, and look the other way, but the penalty of doing so is enormous. Actions have consequences. Inaction does, too. As Martin Luther King, Jr., said, \u201cOur lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.\u201d\u00a0The fact is, it\u2019s better to stand alone with honor than to compromise your values to fit in.<\/p>\n

This all comes down to acceptance\u00a0<\/em>versus\u00a0self-worth<\/em>. Some people are more interested in being accepted and winning the approval of others than in doing what\u2019s right. The downside of acting that way is losing respect for yourself.<\/p>\n

Be a role model who leads by example every day. Be the person who lives with honor and integrity, commands everyone\u2019s respect, and makes decisions based on what\u2019s right rather than what\u2019s convenient. It won\u2019t always be popular, and it won\u2019t always be easy, but you can take great pride in knowing that you\u2019re setting the standard for excellence. Follow your conscience; you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.<\/p>\n

Skip Prichard: <\/strong><\/span>Trust is a cornerstone of effective leadership. From your experience, what are the first steps a leader should take to rebuild trust in a team where it\u2019s been lost?<\/p>\n

Frank Sonnenberg:<\/strong><\/span> Many people ask if trust can be repaired. The quick answer is yes, but don\u2019t expect to achieve success overnight.<\/p>\n

When people engage in greedy, reckless, or dishonest behavior, they often show little remorse for their actions; instead, they\u2019re angry about getting caught. Their initial response is typically to launch a high-profile PR stunt to repair the damage. Other times, they may abruptly alter their behavior to demonstrate credibility. This approach often backfires as people can easily see right through the facade; becoming more suspicious than trustful of the \u201cnew you.\u201d The reality is that these transgressors are more focused on\u00a0repairing<\/em>\u00a0their reputation\u00a0<\/em>than genuinely\u00a0changing their ways<\/em>. Such strategies often fall short because trust can\u2019t be demanded or fabricated; it must be earned.<\/p>\n

An alternative way to repair your reputation is by taking baby steps \u2014\u00a0consistently\u00a0doing\u00a0small things\u00a0that win back everyone\u2019s confidence and trust. The key is to live with honor and integrity and do what\u2019s right \u2014 not because you expect to gain anything<\/em> \u2014 but because it\u2019s the right thing to do. And in doing so, you\u2019ll begin to reclaim your reputation, inch by inch.<\/p>\n

When someone consistently displays\u00a0ethical behavior<\/em>, you can predict their future<\/em>\u00a0conduct with some degree of\u00a0confidence<\/em>. However, if inappropriate behavior is displayed at any point during the process, it casts a shadow on the relationship.\u00a0It goes without saying that when you do what\u2019s right, you won\u2019t be forced to defend what you did wrong. It takes a lot more effort to restore trust than to establish it from the start.<\/p>\n

Skip Prichard: <\/strong><\/span>In your view, how can leaders ensure they\u2019re not just achieving professional success but are also leading meaningful lives that contribute positively to society?<\/p>\n

Frank Sonnenberg:<\/strong><\/span> When you consistently act with honor and integrity\u00a0at all times, not just when it\u2019s convenient, you\u2019ll distinguish yourself and your organization from those who are self-interested or solely motivated to make a quick buck. This isn\u2019t achieved through smoke and mirrors, but rather through honorable behavior exhibited every day.<\/p>\n

If you hire exceptional people, train them well, inspire them, and then get out of their way, they will produce outstanding results. If you treat suppliers as integral members of your organization, foster an environment where everybody wins, and nurture relationships based on honesty, trust, and respect, they will reward you with commitment and loyalty. If you view customers as long-term assets rather than immediate sales transactions, and develop policies based on optimizing customer value, they will reward you with increased market share and profits. Last, but not least, giving back to the community not only makes an organization a good global citizen, but it\u2019s also incredibly good business.<\/p>\n

Being a good person or organization isn\u2019t about doing any\u00a0one\u00a0<\/em>thing \u2014 as much as it\u2019s doing\u00a0everything<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 the right way. Do you do what\u2019s right or what\u2019s convenient? Do you listen to your conscience or do what\u2019s popular? Do you consider others or think only of yourself? If your thoughts, intentions, and deeds are heartfelt and beneficial to others, it will come back to you in spades. In short, while doing what\u2019s right is good for others, it\u2019s also beneficial for you.<\/p>\n

Skip Prichard: <\/strong><\/span>With morality often seen in shades of gray, how should leaders navigate complex ethical dilemmas where the right course of action isn\u2019t clear?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Frank Sonnenberg:<\/strong><\/span> You\u2019re going to be tested throughout your life. You may be tempted to cheat to make yourself look good, stretch the truth to cover your behind, or do something unethical to get what you want. The challenge is that the\u00a0right choice<\/em>\u00a0might not always be as clear as day. That\u2019s when your actions reveal your true character.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to say what you\u2019ll do in theory, but actions speak loudest.<\/p>\n

It may be easier to:<\/p>\n