Parents often tell their children to do the right thing or to make good choices. Teachers tell students to do the same. Employers have jumped on the bandwagon asking employees to do the right thing. But no one clearly defines the “right thing,” which leaves it up to you to decide. Hence, doing the “right thing” for some people is subject to interpretation.
I believe “making a good choice” is doing the “right thing,” and doing the “right thing” is a choice.
My morning routine is to wake up and first thank God for waking me up and second ask Him to guide me in the daily decisions that I will make, and lastly thank Him in advance for placing the right people in my path. You see I purposefully make a vow to do the “right thing” in my daily activities in and out of the workplace.
Understanding the daily choices and decisions I make can either have a favorable or unfavorable impact on those that I come in contact with. Here are some foods for thought. Would God be pleased with my actions or inactions? Are my actions lawful and / or morally sound? Are my actions in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures? Is this what I would want for myself or my family? If I can answer yes, then I am doing the “right thing”. A good example of doing the right thing is escorting a lost visitor to the right direction instead of pointing (customer service) or pulling a staff to the side and redirecting him or her to wash one’s hands (infection control). You may stand-alone or you may not win the popularity contest, but we should never grow weary of doing the “right thing” because doing the “right thing and making good choices” is contagious.
By choosing to make a good choice before my day begins I am leading by example in hope that staff will notice and follow. The ultimate goal of doing the “right thing and making good choices “ based on our facilities’ policies and procedures and the Golden Rule (treating others the way you want to be treated) is that it becomes contagious like a virus. This cultural change will help us improve patient care, customer satisfaction, and overall image in the community. We want to continue to be known as the organization where doing the “right thing and making good choices” is not just another slogan but the way we practice and live. Once the virus of doing the right thing and making the good choices contaminates everyone, it becomes a part of our fabrics.
I challenge you to purposefully make a vow to do the “right thing” in your daily activities in and out of the workplace before your day begin.
