Leading With A Broken Rearview Mirror

I believe in having mentors.

During the day, at random times and in various situations, I’ll be reminded of something that a mentor has impressed upon me at some point in my life.

These “flashbacks,” if you will, often help me think through how to handle a particular situation or struggle that I may be going through.

One that comes to mind often for me is what one of my late mentors told me several years ago. He said:

“Handle business so that you don’t have to look back.”

The idea here is that when you act with integrity you don’t have to try to remember what you said to someone, because you’ve conducted yourself in an upright and honest manner.

They’ll be no need for deception, backpedaling or broken promises, because you’ve been forthright, transparent and above reproach.

Simply put, you won’t need a rearview mirror.

Unfortunately, this is not how many leaders and managers conduct themselves.

Lead With A Clear Conscience

In an effort to “get ahead” and construct and maintain their public image, many leaders are willing to do and say anything – and to walk over anyone – to promote themselves.

The irony is that in an effort to “make a name for themselves,” they sacrifice their own good name.

Whether you’re in a leadership position now or sometime in the future, you WILL be tempted to make unethical choices.

You will be tempted to be dishonest.

And often, the payoff may seem too good to turn down. 

But, sowing seeds of deception will lead to corruption. It may happen now, it may happen later… but it will happen.

So, the next time you’re faced with a decision that requires you to sacrifice your integrity to gain a temporary prize… remember to handle business so you don’t have to look back… Just break off the rearview mirror and roll on!