“Don’t do the right thing for the wrong reasons. It is the “why” that keeps us committed to our choices and defines our character.”
~ Shannon L. Alder
“You do the right thing even if it makes you feel bad. The purpose of life is not to be happy but to be worthy of happiness.”
~ Tracy Kidder
“I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.”
~ Lou Holtz
“You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
In recent years I found myself making significant life decisions for my Mother. One particular incident sits with me everyday. I can be quoted as saying at the time and now forever after ‘it is a terrible thing to do the right thing and feels so awful.’ However, I definitely did the right thing. I know my decision had integrity and truth. I know I am worthy of the pride and happiness I eventually found in that decision. This sharing will sit in those personal moments but I draw my thoughts, for today, into the values of BMG and the firm’s overall goal of doing for others and the social responsibility to make a difference.
I believe that the firm’s values are well stated and are lead with honest. But in the end the integrity of the firm starts and ends with each and everyone of us. To live in those values takes courage. Often the courage to do the right thing. It is tough at times but no one would ever say this work is easy. But the work is thoughtful, sincere and full of trust and integrity. And in the end we get back what we put into it. There are gifts along the way. We may not start out looking for gifts but I encourage you to do the right thing and then accept the gifts.
Written by Deborah Lavender, BMG Senior Consultant
