Sometimes being a person of conviction will cost you your job. Gerard Arpey, the CEO of Amercian Airlines stepped down after the board made the decision to file for bankruptcy. He said, "I believe it's important to the character of the company and its ultimate long term success to do your very best to honor those commitments," he said."It's not good thinking-either at the corporate level or at the personal level-to believe you can simply walk away from your circumstances."

While all other airlines have filed bankruptcy (except SWA), American Airlines tried to avoid following suit but to no avail. Mr. Arpey stood by his conviction because he believed filing bankruptcy was not only a financial decision but also a moral one. He couldn't be like other Wall Street executives or other CEO's who see filing bankruptcy as inherently moral. For this reason, he stepped down and left it all on the table, including any buyouts or financial gain.

As a leader, stand by your convictions. Be an example to others when it costs you, whether a position or job. For no matter what it may cost financially, the real cost for not standing up for what you believe in is an expense not worth paying for. Great men and women have stood by their convictions, and it not only cost them their jobs and positions, but their very lives. Stand strong!

Have a Merry Christmas.

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Enjoy this short video from people who live in the North.

Hallelujah Chorus - Quinhagak, Alaska