MFC - Day 11

Day 11 - I got a lot of reading in last night.  I love it when you get into a book and it energizes you. The only problem is I usually read before going to bed, so the extra energy is not always welcome.  I'm not much of a morning person so reading in the morning would never work - well at least when I have to wake up to go to a job.

I did get to experience a co-worker display great character today. It was something simple, but it instantly made me think of "Roddick's Choice" from Resolved:  13 Resolutions for Life.  Here's a summary:

 In the third round of the 2005 Italian Masters tournament in Rome, Tennis championAndy Roddick was paired against Fernando Verdasco from spain. It was match point in favor of Roddick. When Verdasco hit his second serve, the line judge called the ball "out", and the crowd began to cheer for Roddick. Verdasco moved toward the net to shake hands, as if the match were over. But Andy Roddick didn't accept the point. Instead, he said that the ball was "in" and called the umpire's to a slight indentation on the clay court which showed that the ball had landed on - not beyond - the line. Surprised, the umpire allowed Roddick to overrule him and the point was awarded to Verdasco.Everyone was amazed. In a game not typically played on the honor system - but on the umpire's calls.Roddick had made a call against himself and went on to loose the match.Though Andy Roddick lost the match that day, he gained something far greater. He gained credibility. He gained trust. How did this display of integrity give him credibility? Look at it this way: How are the umpire's going to respond the next time Andy Roddick challenges a call? Most likely, they will treat his challenge with the utmost respect. His reputation is known; his credibility will precede him.Also, how do you think Andy Roddick felt about himself? How might he have felt if he chose to accept the win, knowing all along that the ball really wasn't out? Andy Roddick's behavior on the court that day has become a symbol to me of what I now call 'the Roddick Choice' - demonstrating integrity even when it is costly. It illustrates the clear connection between integrity, credibility, and trust - both with others and with ourselves. 

I explained "Roddick's Choice" to the co-workers nearby.  Hopefully they remember.