The Business Professional's Basic Principles

Nancy J. Lewis, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, RCC

Today more than ever before, it is important to make sure you keep some
basic principles in mind whether you are a business owner or corporately attached. The world is getting smaller and smaller and it is vital that you
strive to make sure you are a principle centered business professional. Following are three core principles I feel are essential for building sound relationships that can help you in your career and business.
 
1. Honoring and keeping promises.  It is critical that before you make a commitment or promise you plan to keep it. So often we say I will call you back or get back with you in the next day and it does not happen. Now we all know that life happens and if an emergency situation occurs, you may not
be able to fulfill the commitment. But because we live in a digital age, a text or email informing others of what happened would be helpful. To simply not respond is impacting your reputation and integrity level. The world is very, very small and it is important to ask yourself the following questions before you commit:
 
1) Why do I need to attend this event?
2) How will this help me in my strategic business and career goals?
3) What is the demographics of the persons in attendance?
4) Would my time be better utilized working on marketing and follow up with clients?
 
Based on your response, you might want to say no. Remember it is better
to under promise and over deliver. Integrity is a lot easier to maintain than
regain.(A Nancyism)
 
2. Take responsibility for your actions. When you make an error or miss a deadline, instead of making excuses take ownership of what you did and get busy with action steps to fix it. Remember you either win or learn. When mistakes occur where you fall short, simply step back from the situation and analyze what happened and accept your part in the dilemma. It allows you the ability to spend time looking for ways to resolve the situation as opposed to trying to blame others for what you didn't do. The true mark of a leader is being accountable and responsible for his/her actions.
 
3. Keep a positive attitude. Choose to embrace each day with an attitude of gratitude. It doesn't always mean everything is going great in your life, but is shows how you have determined you will handle it. It is having the courage to not whine and instead, choose to win. It is choosing to make your obstacles your steppingstones to greatness and letting your trials develop in you the resolve to triumph and walk in victory.