From My Mind to....

What Happened To Integrity

DAY 18:  What personal quality (e.g. honesty, kindness, faith, loyalty, etc.) do you value more than anything else? If you could guarantee a significant other be completely unfailing in this area, would you put up with serious flaws in other areas (e.g. always kind but lies to spare your feelings, always honest but to the point of unknowingly being hurtful, etc.) to achieve the perfect partner in the area you value most?

That's a question truly worthy of deep introspection.  I believe after 21 years of having a business that deals with people, integrity is something I greatly value.  I have always tried to be completely forthright with my clients from my first meeting to the delivery of the final product. 

I know that people don't always know exactly what they want in a specific project when we first meet.  I take time to explain options, techniques and pricing.  They subsequently receive this information in writing. I always tell folks I don't mind not getting a job.  I don't even mind if they don't give a reason.  But I ask that they let me know; don't leave me hanging, wondering if I got the job or not.    My biggest beef is with folks who just never let you know.

Also, it bothers me with clients who agree to terms (by signing the agreement), and then later claim something different, even after the project has been completed.

I lament the passing of a handshake to seal the deal.  Whatever happened to a person's  word is his bond?  Sometimes progress is not all it's cracked up to be.