The Code of the West – 10 Relevant Leadership Principles
Many years ago, while sitting in the office of one of my mentors, I came across a “coffee table book” titled Cowboy Ethics. The author, James P. Owen was a prominent businessman and 40-year veteran of Wall Street. Waiting for our meeting to begin, I thumbed through the book and was immediately taken with the simplicity and inspiration of its content and the relevancy of the messages within. I immediately went out and purchased my own copy. This book sat in my office from that point forward. It was a great conversation starter as well as a guidepost for me in my day to day activities.
The central point of Owen’s book is “Living by the Code”. In short, it is about pride, respect, honour, ethics, commitment and integrity - demonstrating right from wrong, and following the Golden Rule. Owen goes on to state “… no one can say with authority exactly what the Code of the West was. It was not carved in stone; in fact, it was not even written down on paper. Yet, while not every cowboy always abided by the Code, every cowboy knew what it was.”
I’m confident that if today you asked a group of people what the Code of the West was or what it stood for, there would be agreement in the characteristics this Code was grounded in. Further, there would be a clear understanding of what the Code stood for, how it was embraced and what would happen when someone acted outside the Code. This leads me to wonder why in today’s business world we have become so litigious over right and wrong, why we need to craft policy manuals and doctrines (often times confusing and massive) to support operations, actions or decisions, rather than demonstrating personal accountability and ownership for our actions as well as holding each other accountable in a much simpler yet meaningful manner. This could be said for any aspect of our lives and regardless of our vocation.
The author goes on to list ten principles which he believes to represent the unwritten Code of the West:
1. Live each day with courage
2. Take pride in your work
3. Always finish what you start
4. Do what has to be done
5. Be tough, but fair
6. When you make a promise, keep it
7. Ride for the brand
8. Talk less and say more
9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale
10. Know where to draw the line
I’m a firm believer living by a “Code” and demonstrating these principles is as relevant in today’s business world as it was in the old west. This framework, when embraced by leaders, provides an operating system of self regulation. Ethical behaviours and decision making becomes the norm… the expectation. When leaders walk the talk, corporate culture and values are not only clearly understood but they are more readily accepted by all (“a culture of compliance”). The integrity, character, and culture of the organization will align.
As mentioned, this book sat prominently in my office for years. It’s call to action and metaphors spoke to me. It’s simplicity, clarity, and inspiration helped guide me in my relationships and leadership roles from that point forward. Of course, there were situations where I clearly missed the mark, where I let down those around me, where I didn’t bring my best self to the task at hand. When this occurred, there was one consistent premise, the visual of this book and the principles therein were impactful learnings for me as to what I could do differently in the future.
When you find something that works for you, that resonates with you, I recommend running with it. I continue to apply this Code and these Principles in my life today; as a husband, father, grampa, friend or mentor.
“The true test of a man’s honour was how much he would risk to keep it in tact”
James P. Owen
(Photo Credit: Earl Jones)
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