You are only what you are when no one is looking.

Joe Smith was a loyal carpenter who worked almost two decades for a successful contractor. The contractor called him into his office one day and said, Joe, I’ m putting you in charge of the next house we build. I want you to order all the materials and oversee the job from the ground up.”

Joe accepted the assignment with great enthusiasm. He studied the blueprints and checked every measurement and specification. Suddenly, he had a thought. If I’m really in charge, why couldn’t I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials, and put the extra money in my pocket? Who will know? Once the house is painted, it will look great.

So Joe set about his scheme. He ordered second – grade lumber and inexpensive concrete, put in cheap wiring, and cut corner he could. When the home was finished, the contractor came to see it.

“What a fine job you’ve done!” he said.” You’ve been such a faithful carpenter tome all these years that I’ve decided to show you my gratitude by giving you a gift – this house.”

Build well today. You will have to live with the character and reputation you construct.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” ― John Wooden