Point of View

At the end of each year I make some kind of effort (or pretense) of cleaning up my desk and personal files (or piles). It is not unusual to remember something I tucked away and to begin the search for the “Holy Grail.” It is amazing how much good stuff you forgot you possessed. Often in the search, serendipity happens. Serendipity is when you are looking for one thing and you come across a better thing.

Through my cleaning efforts, I found an article from Southwest Airlines’ magazine titled: “Six Laws of Absolute Honesty.” Let me share the laws and make some remarks.

Law 1: Tell the Truth

Senator Sam Rayborn of Texas used to say, “Tell the truth every time and you will never need to remember what you said.” Ole Sam might not have always practiced the axiom but he is absolutely correct in his statement.

Law 2: Tackle the Problem

Leadership cannot ignore tough issues. Issues must be faced, dissected and solved. If you do not deal with problems they will deal with you.

Law 3: Disagree and Commit

Each involved person has a right to speak on an issue. After all the discussion is complete and the decision is reached, however, it is your responsibility to support the decision.

Law 4: Welcome Honesty

Sometimes honesty hurts but a leader should never attack or become abusive about the truth. It may be something we do not want to hear but – as I remind our staff on a regular basis – let’s talk about it now. You can get better information here than in the parking lot.

Law 5: Reward the Messenger

Whether the news is bad or good it is the messenger who is evaluated not the news. Reward integrity. Do not allow bad news to alter relationships. Learn to be grateful.

Law 6: Build a Platform of Integrity

I repeat, integrity is something no one can take from you. You decide to give it up. In the organization of the Florida Baptist Convention, there is built into our system a platform for integrity. We do not punch a clock. We live in different cities. We drive approximately 2.5 million miles a year. We sleep in hotels away from home. We have travel/expense allowances, etc. A platform of integrity is an absolute essential for our personnel. Thank God, and continue to pray that we will stay on the platform!

May the year 2006 be the greatest one ever for Florida Baptists.