"Do the Right Thing" (the one about the referee)

At FTS Group we believe in doing the right thing, by our customers, our business, our peers, our community ... and by ourselves. Doing the right thing builds trust. As a services business we ask our customers to place their trust in us each and every day. So this is a really important topic.

The problem is, it is not always easy to determine what is the right thing to do in every situation. So what should we do?

I believe we humans often learn best through stories. So, from time to time, I like to share stories as practical examples of doing the right thing. This story is the one about the referee.

Yes, I referee football (soccer) matches on the weekend. It keeps me fit and allows me the chance to give something back to a sport I love. Last weekend I faced a difficult decision, one that ultimately affected the result. (I won't bore you with the details, but if you're interested ping me directly).

After the match I contacted our regional head to validate my decision. I wanted to make sure I had applied the laws correctly, and if not what should I have done differently.

Mercifully, on this occasion I got the decision right, and was subsequently able to share that with the linesmen on the day (as well as the captain of both teams involved - let's just say it caused some "heated" debate at the time).

Here is the point. Doing the right thing doesn't necessarily mean getting every decision correct. Putting that kind of pressure on ourselves is unhealthy and may have unintended consequences.

In this instance doing the right thing meant reaching out and seeking guidance from a more experienced referee. Having done so, I had a great opportunity to educate others.

In future, on this point, I will now be able to tell players and other officials, with confidence, why I gave the decision. Not everyone will listen, and no doubt I will continue to receive clear advice on booking my next trip to the optometrist, but I can't do much about that.