[b] “Principles are to people what roots are to trees. Without roots, trees fall when they are thrashed with the winds of the pampas. Without principles, people fall when they are shaken by the gales of existence.” — Carlos Reyles, 19th century Spanish author

When he spotted his grandpa asleep on the family room couch, the rambunctious ten year old saw his chance. With cat-like stealth, Jason quietly crept up on grandpa and gently smeared a small bit of smelly old cheese into his moustache. As grandpa mumbled and stirred, Jason bolted from the room. Peeking around the corner, Jason fought hard to contain himself as he watched grandpa open his eyes and take a sniff of the air. “Whew! This room stinks”, grandpa exclaimed. Rising from the couch he went into the front hall. “Why, the whole house stinks”, grandpa declared as he went out the front door into the yard. Watching grandpa take a few deep whiffs of the air, Jason lost it. He burst out laughing as grandpa bellowed, “Everything stinks.”

Our principles, values, or beliefs are the lens through which we see the world. We then find the evidence and examples to prove our point of view. If our behavior sometimes smells a little — we cheat, cut ethical corners, or “stretch the truth” — we assume (and often justify our behavior with) “everybody else is doing it.” Then we notice just how many other people are doing the same — their behavior stinks.

If people with this mindset become managers, he or she will build on his or her assumptions and experiences by putting rules and practices in place to catch the “stinkers.” As psychologist and personal effectiveness coach, Peter Jensen, puts it, “Most of what we see in others is what we project from ourselves.”[/b]