Washington & Woodward - Men of Character

As we close in on the end of a tumultuous political year, I thought it appropriate to review George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation".  Is it just me, or does it seem to you that many of our federal politicians have no understanding of the words "civility" and "decent behavior"?  It's either that or that they choose to be boorish.  Many of them have no shame. They tell us outright lies and actually expect that if they tell us whoppers long enough and loud enough, we'll believe them.  Sadly, many do. Sadder yet is the fact that we put these people in office. 



What would the great General - our first President - a Man among men, think of the cast of characters now ensconced in the city called by his name?  Most of Washington's biographers have regarded these 100 Rules as formative influences in the early development of his character. Oh that such men were still being formed in this country today!  Their country needs them very much.  We need to build our lives upon the solid foundation of good character and morals, not just on gifts and abilities. Thank God there exist such folk and institutions who still hold truth dear and are striving to produce such leaders as Washington today.  We pray for their success.  



Consider each maxim applicable to the 21st century, and think on the people you elected (or allowed to be elected) to represent you, and ask yourself, does their behavior indicate their agreement or disagreement? What does that say about their character?
I've mentioned in earlier posts that I believe Orrin Woodward to be a man of great character. Years ago, he made a study of Washington and this list, which is what piqued my curiosity. Some of those foundational concepts later on resulted in his and co-author Chris Brady's NY Times Bestseller, "Launching a Leadership Revolution".



Here we are fortunate to glimpse a portion of Washington's studies at about age sixteen - about 265 years ago.  I plan on implementing as many of these maxims as are appropriate for the present time and I invite you to do the same. We'll leave the language, spelling and punctuation as Washington recorded it. Off we go then with the first 20:


1st   Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

2d   When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usualy Discovered.

3d   Shew Nothing to your Frend that may affright him.

4th   In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

5th   If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkercheif or Hand before your face and turn aside.

6th   Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

7th   Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Drest.

8th   At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.

9th   Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.

10th   When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.

11th   Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

12th   Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by appr[oaching too nea]r him [when] you Speak.

13th   Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.

14th   Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.

15th   Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Shewing any great Concern for them.

16th   Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.

17th   Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.

18th   Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unask'd also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.

19th   Let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.

20th   The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)
Expect a few more in my next post. I want to give enough time to really think these through. 

Leadership and Liberty~ Rave Reviews

Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward are recieving rave review and national attention for

Leadership and Liberty Pieces Of The Puzzle.

http://orrinwoodward.blogharbor.com/

Orrin Woodward Hits Top 25 Leaders List - Honorable Mention

Social Media is here to stay and growing more everyday. Here is a list of Orrin Woodward's social media sites.

Orrin Woodward Facebook

Orrin Woodward Author

Orrin Woodward Twitter

Orrin Woodward Fishing

Orrin Woodward MySpace

Orrin Woodward Interview

Orrin Woodward LinkedIn

Orrin Woodward Books

Orrin Woodward Leadership Gurus

Orrin Woodward Articles

Here are some top articles from Orrin Woodward's blog in the last several months. Stay tuned for more update from Orrin Woodward!

Orrin Woodward Loyalty

Orrin Woodward Redemption

Orrin Woodward Socialism Fails

Orrin Woodward Twitter

Orrin Woodward LinkedIn

Orrin Woodward Facebook

Orrin Woodward MySpace

MonaVie

Orrin Woodward's Leadership Blog Joins Alltop List

Orrin Woodward's Leadership Blog joins the Alltop List.

I discovered some great news today. Guy Kawasaki’s new site Alltop has included this leadership blog in its Alltop Leadership category. This blog is listed just a couple of sites below Seth Godin’s blog! I have followed Guy Kawasaki since his book Selling the Dream. Over a decade ago, I bought this book because I loved the title. After reading it, I thought the content was spot on also. We need to sell the dream to people and then teach them how to accomplish that dream. I believe strongly in the principles that Kawasaki teaches in the book on evangelizing your products and services. The best products in the world without a passionate and enthusiastic community to share the benefits with others will not succeed. If you don’t believe in your product, how can anyone else? Guy has succeeded in many endeavors by focusing not just on making money, but in making an impact in our society. Kawasaki’s mission ties right in with the Team’s goals of Having Fun, Making Money and Making a Difference. I am not sure how this blog was selected for the list, but I am honored and will continue to provide first rate leadership teaching to the incredible reader audience on this blog. When Chris Brady and I wrote our book, Launching a Leadership Revolution, we had no idea that it would hit #1 on the Wall Street Journal best seller list for two weeks in a row. But I do know that a key ingredient was the evangelizing from our blog audiences. More evidence that a committed minority can make a huge impact! Enjoy your family time during the holidays and set a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) for 2009. 2009 is the year to shine! God Bless, Orrin Woodward