One of my favorite rap songs of the winter is Ice Cream Paint Job by Dorrough. Although it’s entertaining, trust me, the song is not good enough to youtube, so I wouldn’t even waste your time…
But, the hook to this catchy hood anthem goes, “Cream on the inside, clean on the outside…” According to www.urbandictionary.com (my #1 source for Urban Development 101), this hook refers to a car that has creamy interior seats and carpets, while maintaining a clean exterior coat of paint. Other definitions also make reference to this slang in a much dirtier fashion, but we are going to stick with the first definition.
I guess I should get to the point… The key to this song is that a really great car looks good on the outside and on the inside.
Does your integrity match your inside character and outside actions? Having ‘ice cream paint job’ integrity is key to your success as a business owner.
A notable Indianapolis preacher was teaching about abstinence during a sermon on www.youtube.com. He was giving it to the congregation good. Everyone was nodding their head, standing up, and cheering for this preacher as he dug deep into the souls of the people.
The funny thing is that this preacher came close to ruining his career in the 90s because of an affair.
Does he have an ‘ice cream paint job’? No! This person is preaching against his own character, and will never win at the game that he is playing.
Now, everyone makes mistakes, and this particular preacher has restored his life and marriage. But, there is something to be said for making certain that you have absolute integrity in your words and actions, especially if you are a business leader.
Here are some keys to having an ‘ice cream paint job’:
1. Do what you say you are going to do – I watch what people do; especially after they make a claim. If you want to stand out as a business leader, make your word your bond.
2. Follow your gut – Your gut speaks from a place of integrity, so when that still small voice speaks solutions to you – follow them.
3. Lead others with action, not words – When a leader says, “Do as I say, not as I do,” they are asking for instant revolt from their followers. Do as you say, and others will follow.
4. Match your actions to your character – Act to stay true to yourself and accomplish God’s purpose with your life. Avoid changing yourself or your behavior to mimic other people who have different objectives with their lives.
Jamar Cobb-Dennard is the Vice-President of Business Development for Reachmore, which provides leadership coaching for small business and executives. Email Jamar at jamar@goreachmore.com for the latest on Reachmore’s newest seminar, Launch.