There Is No Such Thing As Business Ethics

Are you ethical in your business dealings? Are you ethical in your personal dealings? There are many people that would say that your business ethics and your personal ethics have absolutely nothing to do with each other, but truthfully they have everything to do with each other because there is no such thing as business ethics. You are either ethical in life or your not!

I look at the state of business in America today and I believe that the lack of ethics and character are a large part of the downturn in our economy over the past years. Some may say that there have always been scandals in business and government and I would agree with that but at no other time in history has it ever been as excepted as it is today. In today's society people think it's just business as usual if they have to lie and cheat to get ahead. As terrible as that sounds it is true! Where do people get the idea that being unethical is ok? In large part I think they see the scandals of former presidents, CEO's, right down to the people on their children's school boards making unethical decisions and doing unethical things. This problem will only continue to get worse until we, the American citizens stand up and say no more! We need to begin teaching Americas youth that there is right and there is wrong. To many people are to busy worrying about doing what it takes to get ahead whatever the cost , to realize the example we are setting for the next generation.

Are you willing to cheat on your golf score? If you go to the grocery store and the cashier gives you change for a $20 bill when you only gave her a $10 bill do you correct her? The sad thing is that most people are willing to cheat on a golf score and would not correct the cashier. With that being said if people are willing to cheat on their golf score than why would they not be willing to cheat on their taxes or not follow through with a business deal? People don't think of not correcting the cashier as stealing but it really is! If someone is willing to steal from the grocery store where they shop, than what would stop them from stealing from your companies expense account? There in lies the problem. Now you have to understand I don't come to you with this all figured out nor am I up on a high horse looking down on anybody but I do believe we all need to work a lot harder on making honest and ethical decisions in our lives and having a zero tolerance policy for those we associate with . We need some true leader to stand up and say no more. It starts as just a few people and then it becomes infectious and will continue to spread. What we are striving for is to restore ourselves as men and women, to rewind to a time when you could seal a deal with a handshake and your good word after all, a mans word is his worth (this applies to women too). It is up to you and me to demand of those we deal with on a daily basis to have high moral standards and a strong code of ethics!

What steps will you take to ensure your future in business and in life? I know for me it is a daily battle to do as I say to be on time to tell the complete truth and point out unethical things to those who are doing them and help rectify the situation. Let us stand together as one united nation and demand that our government, businesses and families stand on a foundation of strong principles and values. Only we can make the difference! Here's to a brighter future and a stronger nation, god bless!

To Your Success

Chad DeMay

change management