An example of "guiding principles" relating to work

1.  Take leadership from those in authority over you. This means that, while being required to provide "counterpoint" opinions at times, we should follow the lead of the final decision maker so long as it is not contrary to law.

2.  Work sincerely. As we perform the work that is asked and expected of us we should do this to the best of our ability, not just performing "eye service". This means that we should work diligently and for the good of our employer at all times, not just when the boss is around or "looking over our shoulder". We should work to the service of our employer, not just to promote our own self.

3.  Supervisors, managers, owners and bosses of all types should show mutual honor and respect to all employees without partiality. Impartial bosses will not treat employees different from each other.  That doesn't mean that everyone is always treated the same.  We are all unique employees with different roles, having different authority and compensation. In addition, some employees may not choose to take advantage of an opportunity presented to them, while others might.  Some employees may perform well, justifying rewards, while others may require discipline as a result of their performance.  Impartial means "fair", but not necessarily "the same".

4.  Supervisors, managers, owners and bosses of all types should not threaten (actively or passively), be abusive or be inconsiderate.  The authority given to the boss should be executed with justice and grace.  People work best (providing no "eye service") when they are treated "fairly", without threats, without abuse and with consideration.

My "faith"

So, where did the above points come from? These points are my beliefs or "guiding principles" based upon my "faith". I am a believing Christian.

While I am still a sinner, I have repented from my sins. I still sin, making tons of mistakes every day. I am corrected by circumstances, friends, loved-ones, co-workers and my boss. I ask forgiveness from God and those I have treated harshly or have wronged. God always forgives me because Jesus paid the price for my sins past, present and future when I accepted Him and gave my life over to Him.  I work by the above principles everyday.

Relating "guiding principles" of people to company performance

You may not agree with all that I have said above, but you’ll probably agree that the principles we carry within us effect all aspects of our lives. They can even effect and impact how our company is perceived in the marketplace. Take customer service. Think about a company that you have dealt with in the performance of your job that you really like to work with. Have you got one in mind? What is it about THAT Company that you really like? When you think of that Company do you think things like:

- They’re easy to work with.
- Their people really seem to care. 
- They're honest and treat me fairly.
- I get someone to take care of my problem quickly.
- They stand behind their products.
- I wish all the suppliers I worked with were just like them.  

Now compare these attributes with the points on "principles" made earlier. Can you detect a link? People make up a company. The "guiding principles" and "faith" determine how the people behave, including how they behave with their company’s customers.

A challenge

Evaluate your suppliers by considering your experience with them and by examining the "guiding principles" of the people. If you are NOT satisfied, may I suggest a change?

Tell me what you think

I enjoy hearing from people with similar or different views. I hope this blog has been thought provoking. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 Joseph Lewis - Joe Lewis is the Vice President - Marketing & Sales for Monitor Technologies, a company specializing in level measurement and inventory management solutions for a wide variety of bulk solids industries.  He has more than 30 years of experience in process measurement and control instrumentation in a variety of marketing, sales, engineering and management roles.  He is a published author in a variety of measurement areas and has led the marketing and sales team at Monitor for the past eleven years.  He was born in Rhode Island and holds a BS in electrical engineering from Roger Williams University and an MBA from Bryant University. He is a born-again Christian, married with four children and has resided in the Dixon, IL area for the past thirteen years.