Ethics - The Beating of the Heart in Business and in Life

Ethics is all around us. Just turn on the radio or TV, open up a newspaper and you can read about how a variety of people are handling this critical issue of ethics.

Ethics originated from the Greek word ethos that means character. Today we use ethics to mean someone who demonstrates high character to positive behavior. Ethics goes to the heart of individuals' behaviors.

With the political season in full swing, we can truly understand how ethics are the beating heart in business and in life as all candidates share their business backgrounds. I read an editorial discussing the right to vote in the Indiana primary and in this discussion stated "Limbaugh with questionable ethics". What is interesting this is the first time I have read this qualifier given in our area of Northwest Indiana where many of the elected officials have questionable ethics. One would think it would put the same phrase after the majority of those running for national office.

Another political ad that ran in the state of Indiana talked about how this candidate would not "sell Indiana's assets." The current Indiana governor, Mitch Daniels, did not sell state's assets, but leased them.

Gov. Daniels borrowed a strategy from Mayor Daley (Mayor of Chicago, IL) who also leased a major highway. A lease allows the owner to retain all rights such as in leasing an apartment. This candidate's business ethics not to mention business acumen and self leadership from my perspective are at best questionable.

Much emphasis is directed to business C Level executives who make millions of dollars compared to average workers. Yes, some of these C Level individuals are unethical. Others just worked really hard to get to where they wanted to go. Yet, it appears that those in private industry, Limbaugh included, are held to a higher standard than elected officials who are entrusted with the public's trust. Does this really make sense?

The demonstration of self leadership through individual character and this includes business ethics should be consistent for everyone. This consistency begins with each of us as we conduct our daily business actions.

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