An interesting article in the NY Times this morning discusses the difference between situational values and sustainable values. The theory comes from LRN – a consulting firm committed “to help inspire principled performence in business:”
Dov Seidman, the C.E.O. of LRN, which helps companies build ethical cultures, likes to talk about two kinds of values: “situational values” and “sustainable values.” Leaders, companies or individuals guided by situational values do whatever the situation will allow, no matter the wider interests of their communities. A banker who writes a mortgage for someone he knows can’t make the payments over time is acting on situational values, saying: “I’ll be gone when the bill comes due.”
Does this sound like members of your chapter? Especially toward the end of an officer’s term or the final few months of a brother’s collegiate career, the drive to work toward implementing sustainable programs and ideas dwindles. After all, it’ll be someone else’s job in a few months.
Your chapter must promote sustainable values. Perhaps this will sound familiar:
People inspired by sustainable values act just the opposite, saying: “I will never be gone. I will always be here. Therefore, I must behave in ways that sustain — my employees, my customers, my suppliers, my environment, my country and my future generations.”
Sigma Nu is a lifetime commitment – you will never be ‘gone’ from the values of our organization – and accordingly, chapter leaders should practice sustainable values to ensure that the chapter is moving forward toward Sigma Nu’s vision of ‘excelling with honor.’
Where can you go to practice these ‘sustainable values?’ Why not start with the LEAD Program, Sigma Nu Fraternity’s primary initiative designed to develop ethical leaders. Sessions that promote Values, Goal Setting, Strategic Planning and Accountability are readily available for your chapter’s implementation.
Serve in the Light of Truth 