I’m tired. Tired of running into so many of the same characters over and over. They talk loudly and often about the kind of person they are, but then with their actions clearly show someone they’ve never mentioned. In and out of business, walking the walk isn’t just a cliché; it’s a commitment to integrity and transparency. In order to build lasting relationships based on mutual trust and respect, we need to be authentic and accountable.

Here’s the thing: I want you to notice what I am not mentioning here. I haven’t said that everyone needs to be nice, or friendly, or your new bff when you meet them. I actually haven’t expressed any clear parameters for a person’s personality; who am I to do that? What I’m saying here is that we need to be the same person behind closed doors that we are everywhere else in business.

It’s about accountability and reliability — qualities that should define every damn interaction, partnership, friendship, you name it. By no means is this blog a claim that I’ve never screwed this up. I think all of us have at some point. But man, have I grown and learned how crucial it is to just say it like it is, for better or worse. If I say I think you’re a rock star in your role, I’m saying it when I talk to the boss, too. If I have some tough feedback, count on me delivering it right to you. And I would want you to do the very same for me. I would want a friend (or anyone really) to tell me that I have barbecue sauce on my chin instead of letting me wear it around the cocktail hour. And I think most people would.

I think of my name as more than a signature; it’s a personal guarantee of quality and trust. In a world where promises can be fleeting and commitments can waiver, I’m focused on building a reputation based on authenticity and follow-through. When you engage with me, whether in business or personal in nature, you know just what you are going to get (like it or not). I gravitate towards others who strive for consistency like this — because reliability is something I value highly, especially when referring business amongst my friends.

We likely agree that in business, as in life, your reputation precedes you. I believe in cultivating relationships based on mutual regard and genuine alignment of values. I believe in creating a network where referrals carry weight, knowing that my endorsement reflects the character and capabilities of those I recommend. I believe in rooting for my friends and those I admire from afar, not tearing them down. There’s enough space at the table for you and for me. And even if there weren’t, we could pull up some more chairs.

Now, I want you to think about how you felt reading the last several paragraphs. If at any point you began to feel targeted, this is an opportunity for growth and change. We all mess up. We all get tired and frustrated and come across situations or people that don’t bring out the best in us. But every day is a chance to change our behavior, little by little, and be the people we want to be in and out of work. And if you identified with all the positives I wrote about today, keep it up, you rock star.

Let’s embrace a culture where words and actions converge seamlessly. Let’s hold ourselves accountable to the standards we set and ensure that our integrity shines through in everything we do. Let’s root for our team even when no one can hear us and especially when important people can. Because when you’re known for walking the walk, your reputation becomes your greatest asset — a testament to your commitment to excellence.

Cut The Bull

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