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Code of Ethics

So, it has been a while since my last post. That is mostly due to me mulling this one over in my head. I was in Findlay over Mother’s Day weekend and came across a book called Cowboy Ethics at my sister’s home. I only glanced at it briefly, but when I did I came across a list of ethics. I was pretty taken aback… as I read them, I realized that they were the same things that had been pounded into my head time and again by my dad and step-dad. I know it is still a little early, but with Father’s Day just around the corner, I thought this would be a good starting point.

A lot of the people I know, even people I am close with, seem to have a hard time trying to ‘figure me out’. Well, this may be the closest most will get to ‘getting’ me. Pay attention!

(Jim Owen’s Code of the West from Cowboy Ethics are numbered below, my take on each one follows)

1. Live Each Day With Courage

Do everything you do with confidence. Take risks. Don’t be afraid of failure. Sometimes you have to push yourself to the limit to find your boundaries. Once you do, it takes courage to push past them. You may stumble along the way, but pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and try it again.

2. Take Pride In Your Work

If you have taken on a responsibility, own it. Put everything you have into it and see that it is done right. A lot of people don’t see all the work you may have put into something, but you will always know where you may have cut a corner or taken a shortcut. Give yourself the satisfaction of a job well done.

3. Always Finish What You Start

See your work through to the finish. Don’t make someone pick up where you left off because you half-assed it. It is a lot more satisfying knowing that you completed a task. To a certain extent, this also helps others increase their trust in you.

4. Do What Has To Be Done

You may have a task you don’t altogether enjoy, or there may be some steps you don’t like taking. Maybe you are scared of a certain outcome. Until you have the courage to change the circumstances, do what you have to do. Maybe that means working two or three jobs, or working third-shift, or giving up time at the bar with your friends… it could be something different to everyone. Do what you have to do to meet your responsibilities.

5. Be Tough, But Fair

Sometimes this one can be as hard as it sounds. Not everyone likes being tough on anyone, let alone someone you may be close with. If you apply the same rules with everyone, it gets a little easier. If you are fair, it is easier still. I find this one easiest to follow when your expectations are clear from the beginning.

6. When You Make A Promise, Keep It

This is a big one for me, and pretty self explanatory.  It goes a long way in gaining somebody’s trust. Trust goes a long way. Don’t make a promise you can’t keep, and don’t lie about things. For those who know me, you know how much I despise lying and, even more, how much I despise liars. It is far better to tell the truth or keep a promise than it is to lie or not deliver on a promise. I was taught that a man’s word is worth more than any piece of paper a guarantee or contract can offer. It is a sad place we are in that this is thrown about with no regard.

7. Ride For The Brand

This one may seem odd at first, but it is steeped in loyalty. To some, it may be brand loyalty, to others, myself included, it is loyalty to those closest to you. Again, those who know me, know (or should) that I will always have your back…unless you stab mine. Of course, when in a group of friends or family, we always poke fun at each other. If you are with me and someone from the outside has backed you into a corner, don’t plan on me running off. I’m with my friends from the ‘git go. This one was pounded into my head over and over. I guess it is part of the Big Brother Territory. This one is also necessary in any team situation.

8. Talk Less And Say More

You don’t always have to be the loudest person in the room to be heard. Make your words be heard by having substance behind them and showing results of your actions. Lead by doing.

9. Remember That Some Things Aren’t For Sale

To be honest, this one was never really covered in my youth. I will leave it open to your own interpretation.

10. Know Where To Draw The Line

There are some boundaries that you shouldn’t cross. Crossing them may have dire consequences. Know where they are, and pick your battles wisely.

Obviously, these are not the only things I learned while growing up, but they are definitely at the core. I know I have a different view than most people on many things, but I truly believe in this Code. I thank my dad and Ed both for bringing me up with these core values (sorry Mom, you taught me other things ), and I look forward to passing them on to my kids… someday.

Tags: code, courage, cowboy, cowboy code, cowboy ethics. trust, ethics, loyalty, pride