Life rules to help stay on the straight and narrow

Rules are not always well-received. After all, they imply that someone is telling us what to do, or keeping us from doing what we want. But sometimes, we set rules for ourselves, to keep us on the right path and remain true to ourselves and our morals.

So today, I want you to think about three questions:

1. What rules do you live by, either personally or professionally? 
2. How do you obey by that rule? 
3. How do you let people who either you work with or live with know about the rules?

As an only child, while I would claim my parents had millions of rules, there was really only a couple that everything else originated from.

First and foremost, do your best. This didn’t necessarily mean I had to get straight As or be perfect by any means, but instead implied that I should exert real effort and truly try with all I have.

The second rule, never ever do anything to disrespect our family's name. Your reputation is the only thing you have control over and if you harm it, you may not get a second chance to repair it.

Lastly, and maybe the most important  in my opinion, is always treat people as you want to be treated, regardless of position or title. Simply, be kind.

Here at Children’s Specialized Hospital, we have a number of “work rules,” but there is one that matters deeply to me, and that is No Surprises.

I don't care if you made a major mistake and something terrible happened. Own it, tell me about it, and together we will figure out a solution. Hiding things or sweeping them under the rug is a deadly sin to me. There are very few things, once you know about them, that can't be worked out. It’s the not knowing that causes much more drama and potential harm to relationships.

My other one that I have adopted as I have become older is that you only get one chance to do the right thing. That one small thing could have meant so much if you had just extended a hand. It is a hard one to live by at times, but it has not steered me wrong.

Ok, so you’ve heard/read all the rules that I live by. And you’ve had some time to think about it as you read through this post. Now I want to know, what are the rules that YOU live by? What are the things that you really believe have led to your success as a person and a professional?

I would love to learn about yours, and if you would be willing to share your name when you respond it might help all of us better understand each other and work together!