The world can be a very confusing place these days. If you ever wanted proof look at what happened at the Academy Awards.
It is a confusing place for the middle-aged and older as the values on which we were brought up, and which we were told would hold us in good stead in our lives appear to no longer be acceptable. Values, such as honesty, respect, integrity, and keeping one’s word.
There was more than one generation who was told that ‘honesty was the best policy.’ Yet today honesty is completely misinterpreted, and for some reason sometimes referred to as bullying. Today dishonesty surrounds us. So many people are so liberal with the truth that they reach a stage where they convince themselves that what they made up is true. People fake their CV’s, they fake their Linked In profiles, and lie at interviews claiming it is just “self promotion.”
No longer is “work hard and you will be successful,” a guarantee. No more is striving ‘to be the best at what you do,’ as we are seeing quota systems being introduced in our workplaces. People gaining employment because they tick a box not because they are the best. Sometimes these appointments are to be politically correct, often simply because there is a financial grant for employing a certain person. Then there are those companies who employ dolts who simply opt for the cheapest option throwing quality, expertise and knowledge out the window, which ultimately has a long term impact on the organisation; often after they have moved on.
As for a man’s word being his bond, and a handshake being a contract, sadly today many have no concept of what these even mean.
When it comes to sport, these values are still vital if you want to be successful. You need those around you to be honest about your ability and your performances in order to improve. Respect too is essential whether it be respecting the opportunity you have been given, or respecting the team you play for, the officials, your opposition, coaching staff, the cleaners and the club you represent, it is also essential you respect the sport itself.
Sport is often about being part of a team. Even those who play an individual sport are quick to thank the team behind them, that help them achieve success. That shows respect and integrity.
Monday was a victory for many of those old values and proof that those who chose to think only of themselves never prosper.
At the end of 2017 I was approached by an ex-professional footballer to help him write his autobiography. He had written down memories of key parts of his career and his life, but the document he had was nowhere near ready to be presented to a publisher.
I spent three months working on the project which he had stated would be “collaborative.”
We set about designing the cover and as we neared agreement on a design he then he advised that he no longer wanted to acknowledge my time and work on the book.
He went away and found a publisher without advising me, and when printed embarked on a book tour promoting the published book.
My work was not acknowledged as had been agreed, and neither was I paid as per our agreement.
After presenting evidence of the work done and correspondence backing up my claims on Monday the Perth Magistrates court ruled in my favour, and acknowledged my contribution.
It should never have had to end this way. However it was a victory for integrity, honesty, hard work, and sticking to your principles. For a short period it restored some lost faith in the values of old.
