Words, handshakes and promises matter.
At a new school a long time ago, I still recall the first broken promise from the most popular girl. A couple words tossed around lightly, which I caught heavily; creating a formula for compromise.
Instead of a compromise… what can you promise?
She made a promise and I waited, and waited for far too long. I compromised myself by believing her far too many reasons. That created a pattern which could have been broken if I made a promise to myself to not wait after the promised timeframe.
Instead of a compromise… what can you promise?
When talking about relationships, my friend blurted out: “We must compromise.” That thinking my voice doesn’t matter, is not a good start to a relationship if you made a promise to yourself to not lose your truth again.
Instead of a compromise… what can you promise?
While someone thinks about what they could give up, to get what they think they need, is not right. That defeatist thinking can be felt and any promises made won’t be respected by either side.
Instead of thinking what can’t happen… how about what can happen?
Leadership requires integrity, not the popular vote.
Integrity requires a fulfilled promise, no matter the size.
Integrity includes tough decisions, no matter others thoughts.
Integrity needs follow through, no matter quantity of grits.
The word grit is appropriate to describe how living in integrity can feel. Living in your promises is worth the sleepfull nights, and gets easier as you don’t offer too much of your promise to every one or just any one.
Quality, not quantity matters and so does a handshake with yourself.