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. 

an orrin woodward case study - fred harteis

“Fred Harteis is doing one of the toughest jobs in the nation. And Fred’s doing it as a volunteer. This spirit of volunteerism and Fred Harteis’ generosity of spirit should serve as an example to us all. It requires great strength of character of put the interests of the group ahead of your own. Fred Harteis has that character. Fred is president of 2004 Independent Business Owners Association board.” – Orrin Woodward

Woodward: Fred what do you see as the primary role of IBOAI?

Fred Harteis: (IBOAI), Independent Business Owners Association Int’l, is dedicated to representing the interests of IBO’s, independent business owners powered by Quixtar.

Orrin Woodward: Was IBOAI founded in 1999 with launch of Quixtar Inc?

Harteis: Independent Business Owners have been represented by this board for more than 45 years, Orrin.

Orrin Woodward: That’s a little before my time, Fred.

Harteis: 45 years, means the IBOAI and its board dates back to the time of Rich DeVos, the founder of Amway Corporation, Orrin.

Orrin: Fred, I’ve heard your focused leadership style compared to Vince Lombardi’s.

Fred Harteis: Lombardi is an excellent role model in sports and business.

Orrin Woodward: I understand the sports analogy. The concept of TEAM is very important to me, too. But why in business, Fred?

Fred Harteis: Lombardi’s work ethic is as critical to business success as it is in building teams, Orrin.

Woodward: You have an incredible recall of motivational ideas, Fred. What’s one of your favorite Lombardi motivational reminder?

Harteis: Work comes to mind. Lombardi said that the only place success before work is in the dictionary. And he’s right. That thought gave me great encouragement when I was a young business man. I wasn’t sure that I was the smartest person who ever chose to go into business. But I knew that I could make the decision that no one would out work me.

Orrin: Why was that important, Fred?

Harteis: Because that was something that was within my control. It’s self deception to expect your ship to come in, if you haven’t sent one out.

Woodward: Any other team leadership wisdom to share, Fred?

Fred Harteis: Yes, Orrin. Faith, hard work, mentorship along with the right business vehicle - anything is possible in America. The American Dream lives.



Bonus Statement

Harteis Information: Harteis owns several global companies like Harteis International and a powerful technology firm, Biznet Productions.


Orrin Woodward Information: Orrin Woodward is co-founder of TEAM

orrin woodward develops other leaders...

One of the biggest features of Orrin Woodward's leadership is that he invests the time to develop other leaders. Performing in business is admirable. Leading in business is impressive. But developing other leaders while performing and leading is incredible, and explains much of Orrin's success so far in the journey. Keep leading Orrin, the world needs it!

orrin - magic of thinking big

I've just got to share Chris Brady's blog post of July 16th having just finished another reading of a truly great book - "The Magic of Thinking Big". Here it is:

"People often ask me what book, of all the millions that have been written, is my favorite. This is undoubtedly a difficult question to answer. It is easier if I am allowed to categorize books and then answer by category. While this may be an artful dodge of the question, it is the best I can do.

In the category of "success" or "personal improvement" my answer has always been the same: "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz. This book was first published in 1959, but remains a classic. It is filled with timeless wisdom on the topic of success, and directly confronts the issue holding most people back in life; their lack of a big picture. The book is filled with nuggets on how to think big, dream creatively, and manage one's attitudes while turning defeat into victory.

Some of my favorite quotes are:

Life is too short to be little.

Believe, really believe, you can succeed and you will.

The more successful the individual, the less inclined he is to make excuses.

Resolve to live until you die.

It's better to wear out than rust out.

Einstein taught us a big lesson. He felt it was more important to use your mind to think than to use it as a warehouse for facts.

Action cures fear.

No one ever does anything worthwhile for which he is not criticized.

People are alike in many, many more ways than they are different.

Look at things not as they are, but as they can be!

These quotes are just a sample of the gold dripping from the pages of this timeless little book. As you can see, it contains some powerful stuff. If you choose to read it, it will be of great assistance in your life and career.

Think big! Dream big! Fulfill your destiny!! "


Well done Chris! I couldn't have said it any better myself. Thsi is exactly how Orrin Woodward lives his life.