Don’t rely solely on the mission statement or compliance manual supplied by your firm. Instead, identify three or four main principles that will guide your personal behavior over your professional career—and write them down.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote emphasizes the importance of personal principles and values in guiding one's professional conduct and decision-making. It suggests that relying solely on the mission statement or compliance manual provided by an organization is insufficient. Instead, individuals should take the initiative to identify three or four core principles that align with their personal beliefs and ideals, and use them as a compass throughout their entire professional journey.
While organizations may have their own set of values and guidelines, personal principles serve as an internal moral compass that guides individuals in making ethical choices and maintaining integrity in their professional endeavors. These principles are a reflection of an individual's deeply-held convictions and provide a framework for decision-making that goes beyond the boundaries set by the organization.
By identifying and explicitly articulating these personal principles, individuals establish a solid foundation upon which they can build their professional behavior and navigate complex situations. Writing them down serves as a tangible reminder and commitment to upholding these principles, even in challenging circumstances.
Personal principles provide a sense of clarity and purpose, allowing individuals to stay true to their values and make choices that are aligned with their beliefs. They act as a guidepost when faced with difficult decisions or when organizational guidelines may not explicitly address a specific situation.
Moreover, by taking ownership of one's personal principles, individuals assert their autonomy and personal responsibility in shaping their professional conduct. It demonstrates a proactive approach to ethical decision-making and reinforces a commitment to maintaining a high standard of behavior throughout one's career.
In summary, the quote advises against relying solely on external guidelines and encourages individuals to define their own set of principles that will serve as a moral compass in their professional lives. By doing so, individuals can ensure that their actions and decisions are consistent with their values, promoting integrity, and guiding their path to success.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Don’t rely solely on the mission statement or compliance manual supplied by your firm. Instead, identify three or four main principles that will guide your personal behavior over your professional career—and write them down." was said in the book Extreme Productivity (Summary) by Robert C. Pozen. Robert C. Pozen is a professor of leadership at MIT Sloan School of Management and the author of several books on management and leadership, including "Extreme Productivity."
* The editor of this interpretation made every effort to maintain information accuracy. This includes the source and any key ideas or meanings conveyed in it.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
