In times of patient need, how do we 'do the right thing'?

"Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect," said Stephen Covey.

"Do the right thing" has become a catchphrase and means different things to different organizations. Long ago, Martin Luther King Jr. said it, and Spike Lee produced a powerful message in his film of the same name. Many businesses have adopted the phrase in their core values because business protocols may do things right -- but they may not always do the right thing. Having honesty and fairness in all that you do is doing the right thing.

Dr. James Anderson.

One of my business core values is also to do the right thing. By this, I mean to try to act with integrity and transparency. I search for the best solution to a problem and deliver my actions in a way that harms no one. We create teams of people within my organization that will concentrate on working with others to make a harmonious situation that is a winner for all involved. For me, this concept came from Covey's book First Things First.

Working with many CEOs and dentist CEO/managers, I see that managers want to do what is right for the business, but it isn't always the best solution for all involved. Policies can be significant at times, but they can be misinterpreted when humanity and emotional intelligence are needed. We want to act correctly and with the best intentions, but things can be misconstrued when we are enforcing rules. People may say they are just obeying the rules, following orders, or towing the line. There is the business of following systems and protocols because they create order and predictability. There is the "human business" that calls for higher regard.

Believing enough to stand up for what's right can inspire others to take similar actions and act following core beliefs and values. While you may initially feel alone choosing the course of action you passionately believe is the right thing to do, your example may send a message to others to follow your lead. Like with the Pied Piper, first one, then another, then a few more may do the right thing. The peace you feel is not from getting validation; it is to know that you acted with integrity and followed through to do the right thing. You can lead by example, even if others decide not to mirror your behavior.

During the pandemic, life was turned upside down and still is that way for most. Dentists have proved they can operate safely without shutting down. It is disturbing that dental practices were shut down in the first place. For me, to do the right thing was to step up out of my comfort zone and help my fellow dentists to survive and adapt. The old business system wasn't cutting it, and we needed the resources to hold our businesses together. We needed each other to stay afloat and survive. It was also during the pandemic that we started the eAssist Dental Health Education Foundation. Its mission is to teach the world that dental hygiene is foundational to healthy living.

All people need help during this pandemic. There is no doubt in that statement. With integrity, we all must do our part to do the right thing when we see that it needs doing.

Dr. James Anderson is a practicing dentist in Syracuse, UT, and is the CEO and founder of eAssist Dental Solutions. He can be reached via email.

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