My Values - Commitment

The third value that I closely adhere to is commitment. To be committed is to effectively and efficiently use our public resources; consider the full impact of your actions; once you make a decision, commit to it and execute; continually strive to improve; promote teamwork, improvement, and innovation; and speak up to offer ideas and encourage others to do the same.

Honor, Courage, and Commitment. More than just words. They are my closely held values.

David Baucom

My Values - Courage

Having courage means you face challenges with determination and strength of character. You make the best choice amongst difficult alternatives; reach out to colleagues and supervisors to assist in decision-making; speak up to avoid improper actions; report unethical conduct; continually strive to improve; and remember, you are responsible and accountable for your decisions and actions.

Certainly, it's not always the easy path, but having the courage to stand tall when tested makes you the stronger person. It's the right thing to do.

David Baucom

My Values - Honor

I served almost 35 years as an officer in the United States Navy, so naturally my personal values are our Navy's values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. This post is about my value of Honor.

Serving with Honor means that you always act with honesty and truthfulness; be dependable; avoid conflicts of interest; maintain the trust and respect of your superiors, peers, and subordinates; and remain dedicated to justice.

David Baucom

Moral Excellence (Part Three)

This is the third and the last of the principles of moral excellence that I carry around on that little plastic card in my wallet.  This principle is about making ethics a part of all decisions and behaviors.  In other words, doing what is honorable.

-Work together with openness, honesty, and transparency.
-Be honest, work hard, protect the company's assets.
-Know the limits of your duties, responsibilities, and discretion.
-Do not use your position for private gain.
-Act impartially; do not give preferential treatment to anyone.
-Avoid conflicts of interest between your position and outside activities and organizations.
-Avoid any actions that create the appearance that you are violating law or ethical standards.

Now, that's an important principle!

David Baucom

Moral Excellence (Part Two)

The second principle listed on that little plastic card I carry in my wallet is about obeying authority.  Its two tenants are: (1) respect and obey the law; and, (2) carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies, and directives. In other words, doing what is right.

This principle reminds me of the Scout Oath and Scout Law I learned many years ago. It still applies today.

David Baucom

Moral Excellence

I've carried this little plastic card around in my wallet for years.  And, throughout my career in the United States Navy, I have referred to it often and worked hard to achieve its values. The card is entitled: "Principles of Moral Excellence."

The first paragraph is about respecting the dignity of all persons.

-Treat every person with respect.
-Appreciate differing viewpoints and opinions.
-Contribute to a healthy work environment.
-Set the example.

I think the world would be a better place if we all followed these four simple goals.

David Baucom

The Quotable Ronald Reagan

Joseph R. Holmes edited and compiled a favorite book of mine that I've referred to many times throughout the years.  Holmes' "The Quotable Ronald Reagan - The Common Sense and Straight Talk of Former California Governor Ronald Reagan" was published in 1975, but many of these direct quotes compiled from various speeches and interviews still resonate today.

I've listed just a few of my favorite quotes below:

BUREAUCRATS
If a bureaucrat had been writing the 10 Commandments, a simple rock slab would not have been near enough room. Those simple rules would have read: "Thou Shalt Not, unless you feel strongly to the contrary, or for the following stateside exceptions, see paragraphs 1-10 subsection #A."
June 6, 1974

CONSTITUTION
Our constitution is a document that protects the people from government.
Sept 17, 1973

CREDIT
I have a little bronze plaque on my desk and I hope I can live by the inscription it bears - "You can accomplish much if you don't care who gets the credit."
June 28, 1972

ETERNAL LIFE
Too many people, especially in government, feel that the nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.
May 10, 1972

HABIT
We sure can't be like the fellow's wife who used to cut off both ends of the ham before she cooked it.  When he asked her why she did that, she said because that's the way her mother always did it.

One day, he got the chance to ask his mother-in-law why she cut off both ends of the ham before she cooked it. And she said because that's the way HER mother did it.

Came the holidays and Grandma was visiting and he told her about it and asked if that was true- why did she cut off both ends of the ham before she cooked it? She said, "that's simple. I never had a pan big enough to get the whole ham in it."
May 31, 1974

SCHOOL
Your teachers will hate me for this but my favorite subject in college was football. Today, I am fascinated with history.
March 8, 1973

David Baucom