Bill Daniels was someone who believed that his success in business
was due to his values and principles. He constantly sought to
share these with those he came into contact with. He would never
miss an opportunity to share his philosophy with people.
Bill always grouped his values into several key areas. These
were areas that he felt were most important to him and reflected
how he lived his life and built his business.
Select one of these value areas from the list below, and read
some of Bill's own personal statements reflecting these values.
HONESTY
ALL TOO OFTEN, some people are afraid to admit they don’t
have all the answers. So instead, they just make them up. They
elaborate on what they don’t understand to the point of
embarrassment. Instead, all they had to do was say, “I don’t
know, but I’ll find out.” Remember, nobody can fault
you for admitting you don’t know everything. In fact, they
might even admire you.
WHY IS IT that when people enter into business negotiations
they feel they have to act in a certain way? A plaque in my office
reads, “neither a scrooge nor a patsy be.” This motto
has taught me a lot of lessons. You have to be solid and upstanding
in your principles and ideals. Strong in the board room. Shrewd
in negotiations. But also make it a point to be compassionate
and understanding. Listen to what the other person has to say.
And, give more than you have to. If you’re really going
to find success in this world, you need to remember there’s
a time to be tough and a time to be tender.
WHEN YOU PUT YOUR LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE, you realize how
little time there is to make something truly significant out of
it. To some people this might mean acquiring a lot of possessions.
To others, building a business or owning property. And there are
those whose lives won’t be fulfilled unless they achieve
fame and fortune. There’s nothing wrong with any of these
aspirations, but for me they pale in comparison to individuals
who want to leave something more consequential to their legacy.
For example, being the kind of person who takes the time to pass
on knowledge and values to the next generation. Having family,
friends, and business associates remember you as an honest person.
And helping others who will be left behind. I believe if you live
your life in this way, you’ll leave this world with a clear
conscience, and with a smile on your face.