<p>The Lost Principles (Compliance)
What does it mean to be compliant? Most people would say it means that you do what you're
told when you're told to do it. That's about right, but not quite. Emotionally mature people have
the ability to do what they're told, when they're told to do it, with a good attitude.
In my years as an administrator and teacher, I observed many teachers and students doing what
they were told, but what was missing was the good attitude. Although they complied with
directives or instructions, they grumbled or cursed under their breath and definitely did not have
a good attitude. Often they complained to co-teachers or fellow students while they were
complying.
Mature people have the ability to cooperate even when they disagree. They don't waste time
complaining about what they have to do. They spend time getting the job done.
People with a poor attitude never give it their best when they do a job. They give a half hearted
effort and are usually considered second rate students or employees. In contrast, compliant
individuals give everything their best all the time and earn the confidence of their parents,
teachers, and employers. Compliant people also know how to make correct appeals if something
doesn't sit quite right with them. They always look for clarifications or help when they have
trouble getting something done.
As a young administrator, I was given the responsibility of issuing paychecks to the employees
in my school. On one occasion, the checks arrived one day early. I was told by my
superintendent not to issue the checks until the following day. A custodian, who already had
been told that he wasn't going to be rehired, asked me if he could have his paycheck early. I felt
sorry for him especially because he was being let go. You have to understand the reason why he
was being let go. This custodian was non-compliance personified. He argued no matter what he
was told to do. When he did what he was told, he was miserable and he let you know it. My boss
couldn