Unfortunately times are tough right now for many people, myself included. I know many who struggle with doing the right thing and make decisions with integrity. It has been more than once in the past week when I've been asked in one form or another, "Dr. Ron, do I do what's in the best interest of the company and stay knowing there is the possibility I will be let go or do I do what's in the best interest of me and look for another job?" I don't know that I have a blanket, one size fits all answer for each person because each situation is different. Thanks to my friend Dr. Cappy Leland, this analogy comes to mind since I have flown a few miles in my day.

While you are getting ready to taxi to the runway, the flight attendants go through their litany of safety instructions. For example, how to put on a seat belt.  Note:  If you don't know how to put on a seat belt by now and you're an adult-you don't deserve to get on a plane. They tell you what to do if there is loss in cabin pressure ("The plastic cup will drop from the ceiling. Pull down on the mask and put the mask on you first and then your child and if you're by your sorry boss that's your decision"). Okay, stop. Here's where I want to stop and make a point. Who do they tell to take care of first? YOU. Why? Because if you're not taking care of yourself and this plane is going down, do they really care if you have not taken responsibility for you first when it crashes?

In my opinion I think each situation is different. I personally struggle with loyalty for the company, being selfish, and not thinking of others more highly than me. But I think each person has to make a choice of how "selfish" or "altuistic" they will be.

There has to be a balance. That balance is up to you because you are the only one who really has to live with whether you were honest to you and the company you work(ed) for.

Make sense?

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and also how an ipod can bring down a plane by being on when taking off or landing.