If you were anywhere near the USA in late December and early January, you would have seen or read coverage of the funeral of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President.

There was one word used more than any other to describe him.

Integrity.

Without getting too political here, in the early 1970s, the USA was rocked by losses in Vietnam and the Watergate scandal. People were left wondering what the word ‘truth’ actually meant.

With the resignation of President Nixon, Ford stepped into the Oval Office at a difficult time. Yet, by standing firm in his pardoning of Nixon and in being transparent in his thinking and actions, he restored a level of faith back into politics. At the time, though, most people thought he was weak and he lost the next election.

What history shows, though, is that he saw what others could not see. That the country needed integrity, trust and compassion. Ford was a man said by many, even before he passed away, to be the epitome of honor and values and his integrity was his greatest asset. Ultimately, it changed a nation.

We tend to analyze our next steps based on a perceived immediate payoff. Our ability to see far ahead is unfortunately often limited.

Action – What do you know now that others may not see for months or even years? Do you have what it takes – the integrity – to go against current influences to stay the course for long-term benefit? Are you willing to stand firm for what you believe in?

Steadfastly holding to a long term vision is where real success lives.

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