Ethics & Integrity From Cowboyland...YeeHah!

by Rhonda Hamilton

Being from Texas, I'm oftentimes amused by the perceptions and stereotypes that non-Texans hold. Recently in the Dallas airport, I observed many passengers on my flight who were returning home with their souvenir cowboy hats in hand. Believe it or not, tumbleweeds are only found in west Texas and not everyone in Texas has horses, lives on a ranch, carries a gun, or wears boots and a cowboy hat. However, Texas is a place with a rich and unique heritage, and it is one of the few places where cowboy hats and boots are still alive and well.

Recently, while reading a magazine, I came across an interesting piece of history that gained my attention and interest. Gene Autry's Cowboy Code was written in 1939 and embodied the code of the west. As I read each of the 10 rules of the code, I asked myself how these rules could apply today. Are there still relevant lessons that might be pulled from those words? After all, REALTORS® willingly agree to uphold a stringent Code of Ethics, yet sadly in the past, polls and surveys have listed real estate professionals low on the totem pole of integrity. So, could there be a lesson or two in a code from 1939? After some consideration, I decided there are definite lessons, which if implemented in today's business culture, would increase the level of integrity and professionalism.

Below you will find my observations and reflections of the code - my translation for the business world today. Decide for yourself whether there is value in this archaic code and what it might be for you.

Rule #1: The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.

Provocation of others is wrong, but self-defense is sometimes necessary. Never assume the other person is going to attack you verbally, but if necessary, be prepared to defend. "Never shoot first."

What about, "never hit a smaller man or take unfair advantage"? If you can't hit a smaller man, do you just let him get away without consequences for his actions? What is the meaning for today?

I am reminded of the demeaning term "little man syndrome", the Napoleon Complex, or having what's referred to as a "chip on the shoulder", all of which is basically the phenomenon of appearing overly aggressive, assertive or defensive. This is usually caused by some feeling of inadequacy, insecurity, or inferiority complex, and certainly is not limited to men today. Actually, we realize it is not the physical stature at all that makes the person small, yet it is the mental stature of male or female. We've all come in contact with the man who tries to act so macho, or the woman who loudly tells everyone "like it is". Many times this "smaller person" (not physically, but mentally) seems ready for a fight, is argumentative, or is "a know it all" - in a nutshell, just downright annoying. Depending on the defensive behavior displayed towards us, we can find ourselves wanting to strike back and take care of that little mind. However, this rule is a reminder that we need to "consider the source" and respond appropriately. We need to remember that in general, these people have less - fewer friends, less influence, and less happiness. Though we have the advantage and the upper hand, there are oftentimes other ways to get our point across without resorting to striking back in anger. We must not always use our position of power, just because we can.

In essence, I find two main points to remember. First, we must take the smaller person's mentality into account before determining the best method of response. Second, there are other ways to respond besides "hitting". In other words, "there's more than one way to skin a cat." (Wonder where that expression came from?)

Rule #2: He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.

My grandfather and father often used the old expressions, "Your word is your bond" and "A man is only as good as his word." I know their reference to "man" was meant unisex ally, because they used this expression in teaching me. And, at the time as a young girl, I understood the meaning completely. "If you say you will do something, do it! Do what you say you will do. Do what you say, and say what you mean. If you make a promise, keep it." Simple, but oh so powerful.

There's nothing greater than trust - to know that you can depend on someone to come through with what they have told you - to know that you can safely talk and confide in a person, because they will not betray you. I have been told that in times past, the business agreement was consummated with a handshake. What a shame that we no longer can depend on that kind of integrity and commitment. Even though our business agreements must be in writing today, the above rule reminds us that we can still be people of our word. In doing so, others will be confident in placing trust in us and we will experience the lofty height associated with no shame and a clean conscience.

Rule #3: He must always tell the truth.

Always? Really? Even when it hurts me or I risk losing something? Even when there will be bad consequences? The answer: Yes, especially then. Why? Because, it is easy to tell the truth when there is no risk. It is only difficult when I perceive it to be opposite of my best interest, when there are consequences attached that I don't want, when it will hurt me. Everyone tells the truth when it is easy. Few tell the truth when it is hard.

There is a true story about the late golf champion, Babe Didrikson Zaharias. She disqualified herself from a golf tournament because she hit the wrong ball out of the rough. Upon finding out that Babe had removed herself from the competition, her friend said to her, "Nobody would have known." Babe replied, "I would have known." Did Babe enjoy those consequences? Did it hurt her to take herself out of the competition? Of course, it hurt temporarily, but in the long run she won. She kept her integrity intact to the extent that she could continue to believe in herself. Her wins were truly won. She was true to herself and her talent. She suffered a short-term loss to experience a long-term gain.

How do you feel today about those you deal with in business? Are you confident that they are telling you the truth, or do you wonder how much to believe of what they say? We want to be the kind of person who earns complete trust, who commands the reputation where there is no doubt. I believe there is much value in today's world for the person who is the truth teller. Even when it is hard.

Rule #4: He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.

In folklore and in life, the giant has the ability to romp and stomp on all the little things in his path, but the gentle giant does not take advantage of his position of power. He honors the weak and is compassionate towards them. Our weaker clients and colleagues benefit from such an attitude of humility and kindness. How appreciated is the act of patience for the slow of hand. How appreciated is thoughtful explanation to the mind of a child? After all, it is true generally speaking, that we reap what we sow. As Ray Kroc, founder of the McDonald's franchise said, "The more I help others to succeed, the more I succeed."

Rule #5: He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.

How important this is in our world of growing diversity! Not to say that each one of us cannot possess our own determinations of right and wrong. Absolutely nothing is farther from the truth. It is necessary to stand for our beliefs and principles. Yet, there is a big difference in having your own convictions and treating others unkindly because of theirs. To say that we don't judge is ludicrous. Each of us make judgments each and everyday. We have our own paradigms from which we view and filter our world. The question is not whether we make judgments. It is whether we make pre-judgments. And, then, how do our judgments affect our behavior? Do we seek to understand those who hold different views and practices? Do we seek to respect each person and treat him or her honorably? This is best accomplished if we become curious about what makes them who they are. In other words, we must step out of judgment and into curiosity. We can learn to serve others and treat them with respect, when we understand them. We don't have to agree with their beliefs, opinions, or practices. We need only to understand them to be able to treat them as they deserve to be treated.

Rule #6: He must help people in distress.

This is an especially important principle in today's world. Everyone is incredibly busy with work and day-to-day activities. We have objectives, challenges, and deadlines to meet. We are goal oriented and business minded. Many times we are like the hamster on the wheel - running and running, trying to keep up. It is hard to find time for anything else than the things on our calendar or "to-do" list. We know what we have to do to get where we want to be. So, do we stop long enough to help someone in distress? Or, do we walk on by because we don't have time or focus?

To be a servant-leader should be our ultimate goal. Therein lies the power to be great - the ability to place other's needs ahead of our own. In serving others it is sometimes necessary to push our lists, our schedules and deadlines, to the side just long enough to help someone else. Does that mean we are not goal oriented? Absolutely not. We continue to strive for the desired outcome. The helpful act is just a temporary detour, a necessary element of flexibility and growth of the human spirit. Is this detrimental to our overall outcome? Just the opposite is true. Such acts reap rewards beyond measurement. Those who take the time to help others, stand out and stand above the crowd. They have taken the road less traveled and, as we know, there is no traffic jam on the extra mile. The opportunity to help others is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. After all, it is as the expression goes, we will do well by doing good.

Rule #7: He must be a good worker.

I am reminded of a cartoon I read recently. An employee walks up to the desk of a co-worker hard at work. She said, "Why are you working so hard? Don't you know that the boss is out today?" The co-worker responds, "No, I thought he was in the office. In that case, let's go shopping."

Our work ethic says much about who we really are. In recent years, many have entered the real estate industry thinking the career will lead to easy money to get rich quick. Though this has been a great market for real estate sales, typically those who attain great success are hard workers. They are self-starters, highly motivated individuals. But, let's look beyond the personal gain that comes from hard work. Being a good worker is an integral part of possessing integrity and character. Being of good character means doing the right thing when no one is watching.

Rule #8: He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.

The first quote that comes to mind is, "As a man thinks, so is he." Our thoughts determine who we really are. What do we feed our brain? Our mental condition determines our actions. Garbage in, garbage out. Quality information in, desirable quality out.

Recently I instructed a designation course for approximately one hundred participants. That afternoon in the parking lot, I noticed a vehicle with the dirtiest, most offensive bumper sticker that you can imagine. On the car doors, he proudly displayed his real estate company signs. What a terrible reflection he places on our industry. I am embarrassed that he is a part of our profession.

We must recognize that there are no neutral actions. Every single thing we do or say has a positive or negative impact.

Rule #9: He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.

Respect is paramount for successful relationships and communication. I think Blaine Lee says it very well when he said, "When people honor each other, there is a trust established that leads to synergy, interdependence, and deep respect. Both parties make decisions and choices based on what is right, what is best, what is valued most highly."

Rule #10: The Cowboy is a patriot.

A patriot is one who loves his country, and zealously supports its authority and interests. I believe it is important today to respect those who are in authority. We need to teach our children the importance of authority and the respect thereof. We do a terrible disservice to our children and their children, when we place value on their self-esteem, or allow their self-indulgence to occur, at the expense of respect for authority. Our schools would be able to teach more, if there was less disrespect for authority and if discipline wasn't such an issue. There is less crime among those who are instilled with respect for authority. We need to be proponents and supporters of our great country, its authority and interests. Only then can we be a part of what makes and keeps it the best place on earth to live.

The Cowboy Code is full of relevant information and great decision making tools for today. None of us are perfect and we all struggle sometimes with difficult decisions and ethical issues. Many times, it is not easy to make the right decisions. Therefore, it is good for me, and I hope for you, to be reminded of the characteristics involved in becoming and being a trusted and respected person of integrity. It is my hope that you are inspired by the old rules from 1939. Regardless, it is now time for me to put on my boots and cowgirl hat, climb on my horse (yes, it is a white horse) and ride off into the sunset. So long, from Cowboyland...YeeHah!