Self Importance Reveals Your Own Business Ethics and Unimportance

How many times have you attended a business networking event and observed the following:

People talking on the cell phones when someone is speaking from the podium? People texting on their Blackberries or Treos or PDAs responding to text messages or emails? People with wireless Bluetooth ear pieces or similar devices? People talking on the cell phones in the lobby and letting everyone know that they are talking on the phone?

What does this really tell you about these individuals? First, they have a lot self importance. Second, they are rude and clearly do not have positive business ethics. Third, they are truly people I probably do not want to do business with given their observed behaviors.

During a recent luncheon honoring some local and dedicated business leaders, I watched at my table (6 men and 3 women and none being physicians) five of the men busy replying on their PDAs. One gentleman actually did leave the table and went outside to take a call. My thought as I looked at all of this activity is that "No one unless you are the President of the United States or a physician on call, is that important!"

As I continued to watch this type of self importance behavior, I began to have these two thoughts:

Would anyone want to do business with a CPA, attorney, dentist or real estate agent who cannot give her or his focus for at least 30 minutes? Would I be confident in referring one of these individuals?

Our behaviors demonstrate to the outside world as to our internal attitudes and the beliefs that drive those attitudes. Sometimes, individuals forget that the rest of the world is watching from an entirely different perspective.

If we look back 10, 20 and 50 years ago, was this type of behavior prevalent. For the most part, no because the excuse of technology was not available and people in general were far more polite and respectful. Men took off their hats when the flag passed or when entering a building and always in a restaurant. Women also were more respectful in the marketplace from their dress to their own behaviors.

Business ethics is the sum total of your behaviors and how you respond in public regardless if public means your place of work or public means a business luncheon. As some would say, leave your ego with all of your own self importance at the door for you never know who is watching.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Self-Importance-Reveals-Your-Own-Business-Ethics-and-Unimportance&id=1060471