Performance Before Character?

Today I read that a very talented football player was having a hard time finding a new team. Seemed no one liked his behavior - he wasn't a 'team player'. Seems to be a bit of that going around...in business, sports, entertainment, even government.

I have often wondered,"At what point is 'exceptional talent and performance' not enough?" I continue to be surprised when we accept temper tantrums, abusive language, arrogance, or just plain disrespect from some of our top performers.

"Top performers create revenues! Who cares if they're a bit eccentric or outspoken? " That's our argument. It's about profits. We excuse this rude, disruptive behavior and then wonder why we can't build a team.

You can tell these people that, "There's no 'I' in team." But they quickly realize that there is a 'ME' and they focus on that! ME above all else. Slogans and cute sayings don't build teams. Relationships build teams...and character builds relationships.

Tolerating these rude behaviors is a short term strategy. It may create immediate results but over time it costs money and reputation. It will not create a team; it will not build relationships.

So, here's something for you to consider when recruiting, hiring, or promoting -take character over performance when you have to choose between the two. In the long run you won't regret it.

And to that talented football player, let your real character come out...I don't think we've seen it yet. Real humility is powerful.

This Year It's Flower or Flour

Anniversaries have symbols for the number of years you've been married. But after 20 years the symbols are limited to every 5 years. So, several years ago Chris and I decided to pick our own symbols for each anniversary. Our gifts to each other would focus on that symbol. Over the years we've symbols like bamboo, leather, unique woods, or pearls.

The fun is in the search...we stressed inexpensive and unique gifts either made from the material or having the material in the name. We've found things like a can of Pearl black olives, a leather scented candle, a wooden plate from Zagreb, and bamboo oil. I have quizzed shop keepers, searched the Internet, wandered through the market place in search of the unusual gift.

This year we're looking for Flower or Flour products. You'd think that would be easy! Well it's not. Remember the criteria is "unique". Today I actually stopped a lady wearing a beautiful Flower T-Shirt and asked where she got it. Since I do this a lot I knew I had to quickly explain so I wouldn't get yelled at, hit or both.

"Oh...isn't that romantic!" is the usual response, followed by, "I wish my husband would do something like that. All I ever get is...". Sidebar to husbands...this is a great way to keep the romance in the marriage.

Well, the lady did make some suggestions for places to try and wished me good luck. So I'm off again...in search of flowers and flour. And, If you happen to see a black velvet picture of a pink hydrangea...drop me a note.