Hello…..sometimes people are tempted to do things that end up getting them into a lot of trouble. Below you’ll see a link to an article about a landscaper who chose to try and get work the easy way, which ended up costing him dearly. It’s a sad story; I don’t know this company or this man, but I can assure you he’s regretting what he did and I can also assure you he has loved ones who are very concerned for him.

Read the article and as you read it, make sure that ethics make up an important part of your daily training and education at your company. In all honesty, the lesson ought to be pretty short and to the point. It could go something like this:

Part 1 – If you ever think or feel like you’re doing something wrong, you probably are. Stop and look carefully at what you are doing. Ask for advice if you must.

Part 2 – Always tell the truth…always. When you do this and always do the right thing, you will have nothing to worry about.

Here’s the story.

Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China.

From the back of an iPod

My wife gave me an iPod for Christmas and I love it. In fact, I’m not sure why I waited so long to get one. I have used it to download podcasts, listen to my favorite tunes, and even watched a video or two on it as well. While on a recent flight with my family to Seattle, Washington, to visit my brother and his family and new son, I read the words written above on the back of my iPod. It made me think and it should make you think too.

The iPod is an incredible invention; it has revolutionized the way we listen to and purchase our music. It has put many record stores out of business. We can moan all we want about this and about the fact that the iPod is assembled in China. We can complain about Wal*Mart and the clout they bring to our economy, or we can understand that this is how things work, and we can learn from them and bring innovation to our companies.

The back of an iPod does not say, “Made in China,” it says, “Assembled in China,” and there is a difference. The idea was originated in our country and made possible by creative folks–American citizens. You really can’t stop the assembly of the iPod from going overseas, but if we all sit still and complain and feel sorry for ourselves, we will continue to be passed by others who are using their energy to be creative. This week think about ways you could be more creative and innovative in your business and try a couple of new things.

Don’t believe it’s possible? Click here for a speech given by Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, and I think you’ll change your mind.

What’s the problem of tomorrow that you need to start working on today? Recently I was reading some information online about innovation. As the President and CEO of a landscaping company, I am struggling with how to implement some innovation into my company. I mean, are there really different and better ways to plant a tree? Mow a lawn? Trim a hedge? Install annuals? The answer is yes. This week I ask you to look at your business and the things you do each and every day. Is there a new and better way to do things? More than likely there is.

Too many organizations do things a certain way because that’s the way it’s always been done. And while it may take awhile to have a breakthrough in terms of how you do things, I know one thing for certain, if you do nothing about it, nothing is what’s going to happen and, more importantly, nothing is going to improve.

Think about this and have a meeting with your entire team and ask them to help you find new and better ways to do everything. Ask them what the problems of tomorrow are that that you need to be working on today! You don’t have to make any changes, but to win, you need to have a mindset of continuous improvement.

One person with passion is better than 40 people merely interested.

E. M. Forester

Passion is without question the most desired aspect of a company’s culture. People who work like they are on a mission, following the mission set forth and agreed upon make an enormous difference in the outcome. Are you passionate about your work? Please take this test for me.

If you answered no to any of these questions, you might need to explore, either on your own or with a coach, if you’re in the right job and industry. I’ve met and worked with too many people who have no passion for their work and that’s not good for anyone