Success is Built on Hard Work and Honesty

Over the past few months I have traveled the globe - 80,000 miles so far and it is just the end of April. What I have noticed is how full the planes are, the hotels are busier than last year as well as the restaurants and bars. This means business is coming back - but hold on - don't start spending your money yet.

Customers and employers are very serious about getting back to business and getting back to the basics of hard work, great ethics and honesty. Everyday you turn on the news and there is one more scandal about dishonest business behavior and poor productivity.

I can't believe how many people think they can get away with this type of behavior. Lying on the job, lying to clients, to your boss - what is going on? I have been conducting my own personal poll as I travel the world. I ask a lot of questions -

1. What is your code of conduct?
2. How does your company maintain an ethical relationship with their clients?
3. What makes you a better performer than others that do the same job as you?
4. What would your clients and company miss if you left?
5. How can you add value to your clients and company now more than ever?

I love asking these questions and most people give me their thoughts. The answers vary dramatically.

There are too many people still looking for an easy ride. Too many people wanting to blame others for their lack of productivity. There is a critical need for clarity on the job and with each other.

I have talked about fierce conversations a lot in my book, my speeches and even in these blogs. It is time to speak up - call people out when they are not stepping up to the plate. Often during tough times, people will try and hide and take cover instead of leading the path to excellence.

The front page of USA Today yesterday said we are coming out of the recession. Well, I have news for everyone - I never went in to the recession. Those people that understand hard work figured out ways to make money during these turbulent times and we all know that everyone comes out of a recession far better off than they went into it - but only if they were working hard to begin with.

Being true to ones self and to their team and clients is the only real way to succeed and I am afraid that some people are looking for an easy way out. Take a look in the mirror and remind yourself that you and you alone are responsible for your success.