July 10th, 2007
By Mark
I was thinking about the types of people I want on my staff and my cabinet. I need people of great passion and intelligence. I need a diverse group of backgrounds and philosophy. Most importantly, I need people who adhere to my Core Values.
My first Core Value is Honesty. This was my first Core Value in my company that I ran. We defined it as “Honesty – We do not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate anyone who does.” At the time this was created, I was aware of the inherent problem. We all are dishonest. How could I possibly have a Core Value where the CEO violates it? As your President, again I will at times be dishonest. Sometimes intentionally when national security is at risk I will lie. Sometimes I will withhold information during negotiations. Is it lying when a negotiator says “this is my final offer” and then makes another offer? Of course it is.
It seems a bit strange that I lead with Honesty and then begin describing how I can’t be honest all the time. I still see this as my #1 Core Value. It will be what I strive for. I guarantee that I will be more honest and open than any President in recent history. I will not pander to each group I am speaking to. Since my platform will be clear, I will be able to explain my position and ask for theirs. At times, I will change my views. This is not lying. This is growing.
In my executive leadership, training, mentoring and coaching that I have been doing in San Diego, I find that much of the time I am helping the executive learn how to be honest with their employees, vendors, competitors, spouses, and friends. If I get them to understand what the goal is, then they can get past some of their fears of telling the truth. Focusing on the goal seems to make lying more of a waste of time.
I was at one a Vistage lecture in January 2007 hanging up a flip chart and the speaker asked if I worked out. I laughed and said “Just a bit.” One of my members remarked “You mean obsessively.” So the speaker asked my why I lied. I was about to deny the lie when I realized that I had. The speaker went into a short tangent and wrote down the following:
How we lie
1) Blatant lie
2) Withhold
3) Exaggeration
Why we lie
1) To prevent being ostracized
2) Avoid humiliation
3) Recipient won’t like the truth
I like what he shared. I keep these notes with me all the time.
Back to running for President and my #1 Core Value that I will live by as will everyone in my executive branch.
Honesty – We do not lie, cheat or steal. We will constantly help each other live up to this standard.