integrity

I have seen some very talented people trip themselves up with a lack of integrity. 

When I was about seven, I went to the store with my dad who was the most honest man I ever met. I took a small rubber ball without paying for it. When my dad found out what I did, we went back to the store and I had to tell the woman behind the counter what I did. I'm still embarrassed when I think of it; embarrassed that I let him down.

No matter how much talent you have on the job, your employer or friends must be able to trust you. No one will hang around or employ a dishonest person for long. 

You might 'win' in the short run, but will always loose in the long run. 

My dad instilled that in me at a very early age.

-ray lammi