It's that time of year again. While we're all busy decking the halls, trimming the tree and frantically rushing about in search of that last 'must have' gift; Santa is up at the Pole checking his list... looking to see who's been naughty or nice.
There has been a lot of talk in the business world of late about who has been naughty, but precious little about who has been nice. It seems over the last year or two, many a company have lost their way and should not be at all surprised to discover a lump of coal in their stockings hung by the chimney with care.
As some of you know, I teach a communications course for accounting students that touches on business ethics - go figure? And wouldn't you know it; this seems to be one of their favorite topics - again, go figure?
During a recent class discussion on ethical communication, service and reporting practices, one of the brighter lights (they're all pretty bright) asked "What do we really mean by business ethics? It all seems a bit ambiguous to me. Is there a single, simple definition that will help guide us on our way?"
Obviously, this young lady did not want to find coal in her stocking.
Unfortunately, I was 'momentarily' stumped by the question, but fortunately, another of the bright lights kindly bailed me out. He had recently been reading 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill and pointed out that in chapter three, Napoleon suggests we should:
"engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects”
By my way of thinking, when it comes to a single guiding principle for ethical business practice, that just about says it all!
For some, it may be too late to influence Santa's assessment of this year's performance, but soon a whole new year will begin and if we are hoping for a full stocking next Christmas, perhaps we would all be well advised to be guided by these simple words.
Merry Christmas to all... and to all, a 'good' life!
Jim
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Long ago I worked with a an electrician who used to say "I wish you double of everything you wish me". I like that approach. In my dealings in everyday's life, be that a business or a personal relationships, I am guided by a principle "don't do/say to others what you would not like to be done/said to you". It seems to be universal and work for all situations.
ReplyDeleteIgor
Coal, in a stocking - The big guy should be told to stop warming the planet....
ReplyDeleteYou might like to know that, probably having been got at by you for years on 'customer service', I am now one of your 'snoopers'. I comment on service, good or not, pretty much everywhere I go.
I have learned from the responses, that most service providers get NO REACTION from customers at all, as regards how well they are doing. Most are suprised and indeed grateful to get feedback, whether the message is positive or not. One said to me this week...'thank you for taking the trouble to tell me that'. I almost wept.
Perhaps there is a need for customer feedback training too. Certainly it seems that all PROVIDERS should be actively seeking comment, as it seems to me, that if they don't ask for it, customers won't give it.
Liked the coal in the sack note, and yes, I did vote.
Have a great Xmas - Ray
Since we are quoting quotes on ethics, here are two of my faves on the topic:
ReplyDelete"Being good is good business!"
Anita Roddick (British founder of The Body Shop)
"The time is always right to do what is right"
Martin Luther King
Thoughtful stuff. But what does Santa get out of it?!
ReplyDeleteJust visited your blog site.! So much of your concepts and ideaology are such common sense; great shame that 'you know who' doesn't accommodate any of them.
ReplyDeleteFully understand the need for financial prudence, but most of the time it's short termism that prevails, notwithstanding it actually costs more in the long run.
Carry on the good work and hope companies are making full use of your experience in this field.