"Doing Things Right" or "Doing The Right Things"

I recently saw this question asked in a forum I follow and felt compelled to answer. Below is my answer to this question. Doing the wrong things right means you are still doing something wrong. It always pays to do the right things! Doing the right things doesn't always mean things turn out as you planned but it does allow you to maintain your integrity and hold your head high in whatever the decision is. I use to always say my guiding principles in decision making were "let common sense and your conscience be your guide." I realize for those of you who are employed it may put you in an awkward position and possibly put your employment at risk. However, I would ask the question "what is the effect on your health of doing things you know are wrong even when done right?" Also, the long term implications of the answer to this answer, not just the short term, need to be considered. It can take years or decades to build a reputation and integrity but it only takes one bad decision to take that away or have it questioned (i.e. doing a wrong thing the right way AKA doing as you are told even when you know it is wrong). When in doubt take the high road. If you are worried about repercussions from an employer or boss then have a discussion and express those concerns and possibly put those concerns in writing and help them understand your point and be open to what they have to say before assuming you know it is wrong. I look forward to hearing other people's comments. In the meantime, keep your head held high!