Keeping Good People Good

I dropped by MCC this morning on other business and happened across a seminar in progress in the Conference Center. Jack Harris, from Tucson, was there to present what looked like a really good program.

I scanned the list of registered names and commented to a person at the registration table, "Somebody should be here from every law enforcement agency in the County, starting with the County's Sheriff's Department." Maybe somebody was there from the Sheriff's Department but, at the time I looked at the list, I recognized only one name and he hadn't arrived!

I was pleased to see the name of Sgt. Dennis Leard from the Woodstock Police Department on the list and signed in. Dennis was just recognized at the City Council meeting this week for 20 years of employment. And Tuesday night he looked genuinely happy. Glad to see you smiling, Dennis!

Jack's hand-out included this slide: "In The Beginning, Good People Are Open-minded; 'Whatever it takes'; Eager to learn; Having fun; Unprepared for 'reality' "

Yep. That about sizes it up. And the reality sets in.

I won't relate all of Jack's hand-out, but many know what happens to the good employee when faces with unreasonable, sometimes unlawful, directions and demands; with orders to do something one way, when it should really be done the right way; when cover-ups take place and are directed by superiors.

And what happens to the whistleblower?

Why, everyone knows the answer to that one. He is celebrated, rewarded, promoted, given a raise, and praised loudly as a positive example to more recent hires.

NOT!

For information about what you missed, visit www.jackharris.org