Good morning, Leaders! It’s Friday!

Sooner or later, the world tends to force us into a choice of one or the other. You may vacillate between them depending on circumstance or age but it is difficult to serve both masters because even though they sound similar, they are diametrically opposed.

Do good seems to imply that you are doing the right thing for the general public, human nature, public safety, often considered the right thing or the greater good. Think Mother Theresa good here. It isn’t about material things, it’s about having a positive impact on lives.

Do well seems to imply that you are doing something to support your personal agenda. You are promoting yourself above others. Rather than investing in the system with faith that you will get your just deserts, whatever that might be… you take a short cut, because you are impatient or, worse yet, greedy.

There are many in leadership positions who do very well for themselves. For instance, yesterday’s news came out that the Viacom CEO was removed from the board. He’s made hundreds of millions of dollars but if he is removed from his CEO post, his contract says he will receive 3x his annual salary in a severance. I’m not sure he’s done good but I am certain he’s done well for himself.

To add to the confusion, it is proper english to indicate you are doing well when someone asks “how are you doing?” suggesting “how are you?” or “what is the status of your well being?”, but most people will say, “I’m good” almost unknowingly conveying arrogance.

Then, I received a response today in an email where I wished someone well and they responded with, “I am doing fine but could be doing better”…

What does an optimal leader do? They pursue doing good and they have faith that they will be doing well.

Have a blessed weekend!

Remember your Father.