Ben Franklin's 13 Virtues
Not to suggest that Ben Franklin is a MCC member, but he is definitely an expert. Take a look.
1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.
11. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
12. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
This was taken from Dennis' blog, which is located here: http://dennisharting.blogspot.com/2008/08/ben-franklins-13-virtues.html
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Great Advice, Terry! Franklin was an amazing man who accomplished much before he became a statesmen. Here is a link to an article on his 12 Rules of Management, from my July 2007 newsletter:
Ben Franklin's Business Advice
I know it sounds like heresy, but Frank Bettger, author of the perennial classic, "How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling" modified Franklin's Thirteen a bit to be even more helpful in business:
1) Enthusiasm
2) Order: Self-organization
3) Think in terms of others' interests
4) Questions
5) Key issue
6) Silence: listen
7) Sincerity: deserve confidence
8) Knowledge of my business
9) Appreciation and praise
10) Smile: happiness
11) Remember names and faces
12) Service and prospecting
13) Closing the sales: action
This is a great reminder for all of us. It's easy to get wrapped up in our personal affairs and to succumb to the trifles of life that we often forget the big picture. Looks like Ben had a great life-work balance, even before it was fashionable to do so! Once again, Ben Franklin was ahead of the curve.
Helene