Integrity Matters Broadcasts
The future will be in good hands . . . if we
who believe we are in charge now will pay careful and
caring attention to those who are going to be accountable
- soon.
February 28, 2006
Listening to college students:
"Integrity in Leadership"
Dear Friends:
On February 10 and 11, on the quiet
suburban Chicago campus of Elmhurst College, student-leaders
raised "integrity in leadership" questions
and concerns. Students were optimistic, apprehensive,
energetic and unsettled. The good news is that
they reminded me of me at the same stage. How great to
know that idealism is alive along with a healthy amount
of uncertainty. This combination likely will fuel fires
of motivation. Let's hope so.
Especially reassuring was the energetic response of
attendees following these words of introduction by Ms.
Jaclyn Sorci, the immediate Past President of the Elmhurst
College Student Government Association. She said: Jim
Bracher majored in history and political science
here at Elmhurst College and theology at Eden Theological
Seminary, in St. Louis, Missouri. He concentrated
on teaching in his positions as the chaplain
of Saint Louis Country Day School and subsequent parish
assignments in Greenwich, Connecticut; Terre Haute, Indiana;
and, Carmel, California. His love was and is learning.
He is a self-taught sociologist, which means, according
to him, that he paid careful attention when his
thirteen mentors offered advice. Jim is an
entrepreneur and a writer. His distinctive
competency is his ability to see the potential of others,
enabling those who seek his counsel to become more than
they already were while on the road to becoming
all that they might be. Welcome, back, to Elmhurst
College!
Interestingly, even forty-two years ago, as a first-year
college student, frustrations seem about the same: food,
grades, discipline, the future, people with power - business
or politics - and autonomy. Here is a sampling
of their concerns:
- What can be done to blunt student apathy?
- How does one discover an integrity-centered place
to work?
- What does it take to get those in power to listen?
- How do you, Jim Bracher, maintain enthusiasm for
the integrity message in the face of tremendous resistance
by a society that appears self-absorbed, oblivious,
or worse, unwilling to even pretend to care about doing
the right thing?
- What is an honorable profession, now that law, government,
religion, education and business have all been tainted
by scandals?
- Who exhibits integrity - and how can we identify
them when we meet them?
- Can powerful people be trusted?
- Did your efforts in social issues, in the 1960's
make a difference, long term?
- Why should we put ourselves under stress? Pressure
has ruined the lives of lots of folks we see, who are
older. Many of them seem to lack financial security. Even
some of those who might be well-off appear bitter and
frustrated.
To secure your own electronic copy of my Integrity
in Leadership PowerPoint presentation, forward
your email address and/or mailing address, with a check
in the amount of $450.00* to:
Jane K. Bracher, President
Dimension Five Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 22467
Carmel, California 93922
*10% of "Elmhurst College Integrity in
Leadership" PowerPoint fees will be
donated to the Student Government Association of Elmhurst
College.
Elmhurst College student endorsements for the "Integrity
in Leadership" presentation:
- Jim Bracher's presentation for our students
on Integrity in Leadership was insightful, relevant,
and a motivating call-to-action as this generation
prepares to enter the workforce. His extensive expertise,
knowledge, and research of the subject of integrity
are clear, while his enthusiasm for the subject and
dynamic presentation style paint an interesting and
thought-provoking picture which students can relate
to and learn from. Prior to working with Mr. Bracher,
I don't believe I fully understood all aspects
of the concept of integrity and how those related to
my life. After his presentation, I feel a renewed appreciation
for the concept, and feel better equipped to live and
lead with integrity and grace in an ever-changing world
where values aren't always a top priority. -
Jaclyn Sorci, '07 - Immediate Past-President - Student
Government Association
- Mr. Bracher's presentation was inspirational
and demonstrated that ordinary people can do extraordinary
things through staying true to their values and leading
with integrity. I am motivated to emerge into the "real
world" knowing that my values will guide me towards
success. - Brian Paladie, '07 - Immediate
Past President, Executive Vice-President - Student
Government Association
- Mr. Bracher's presentation truly inspired me
in the sense that it helped me to clarify my own personal
values. Mr. Bracher tackled many tough issues such
as how to deal with apathy and how to stay true to
oneself amidst great hardship. I feel much more confident
and secure knowing that if I stay true to my values,
I will be able to lead with integrity. -Greg Rohatsch, '08 - Representative
- Student Government Association
- Mr. Bracher does not mince words or beat around any
bush. He gets straight to the most important points
and helps you get there, too. - David Horn, '07
- Vice-President of Student Services - Student
Government Association
- Mr. Bracher's discussion and presentation was
a great experience for future career questions and
endeavors. It was truly a worthwhile experience. -Annie
Matich, '07 - Representative -Student
Government Association
- I greatly enjoyed Mr. Bracher's presentation.
It gave me new ideas as a female leader. I intend
to put into use his ideas - as a volunteer and
as an employee. - Beth Roby, '06 - Representative - Student
Government Association
- Mr. Bracher raises the value of integrity in a world
where it is too sorely missed. -Ben Zalisko, '09 - Representative - Student
Government Association
As you have just read, these young people remain strong,
willing to work and are not giving up on the dream that
almost anything is still possible. They smile,
study, think, formulate questions, take notes and seem
ready to find their opportunities and become productive. As
former Astronaut Christa McAuliffe said, before dying
in the disastrous Challenger Space Program accident: "I
touch the future, I teach." She was right.
Learn from her. Return to your alma mater and teach a
class: for an hour, a day or week or a semester. Go,
listen and feel the hope that is the next generation.
Touch the future, teach.
Each of us can restore integrity through insight. Our
responsibility is to educate, nurture and support"a
world in which people do what they say, are forthright
in their communications, and a handshake solidifies any
promise." It is less about what we say and
more about what we do, over and over.
Education is still our focus. To illustrate, please
review - - our newest
program - for key
employees.
MBA
Impact© elevates performance
Remember:"Smarts
without interpersonal skills create destructive friction.
Warm and friendly working environments without smarts
create nothing or chaos - or both" -- Jim Bracher and Del
Mank on the practical benefits of MBA Impact©
To reconfirm the critical relationships between and among
profitability, integrity and trust - click here:
Profitability
linked to integrity and trust.
Sincerely,
Jim
