Character Counts

Would You Do It If It Were on TV?

     By Michael Josephson of Character Counts (538.2)

Matt, an eighth-grade teacher, was in a hurry at the store. Guests were about to arrive at his home, and he had a small list of things to buy. With 14 items in his basket, he decided to chance it and use the "10 items or less" express line.

His heart pounded when he saw Phil, one of his students, come toward him. Matt talked a lot about honesty and ethics in class and, as he feared, Phil was all too happy to catch him doing something wrong. With a big "gotcha" smile, Phil loudly proclaimed, "You have too many items. That's cheating."

On the scale of moral transgressions, misusing an express line is a misdemeanor. But the inconsistency between Matt's words and actions seriously undermined his message about the importance of ethics as well as his personal credibility. Whether on duty or not, teachers are expected to set a good example. It's the same for all people in authority, including parents and bosses. When they fail to do so, there are consequences.

Yes, it's unfair to judge a person's entire character by such small offenses, but many will. Although we judge ourselves by our best intentions and most noble deeds, others are likely to judge us by our last worst act.

Here's a simple strategy: Act as if there's a tiny TV camera on your shoulder broadcasting all your words and actions. If what you're thinking of doing isn't consistent with the image you want to convey, don't do it.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

© 2007 Josephson Institute of Ethics; reprinted with permission. Michael Josephson, one of the nation's leading ethicists, is the founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the premier youth character education program, CHARACTER COUNTS! For further information visit www.charactercounts.org