Relevant!
Political Correctness (PC) is not a language “steeped” in ethics. Disclaimer: This business owner, author, husband, former Fighter Pilot, believer in God, friend, coach and Father has on many an occasion had to remove his foot from his mouth to take the next step.
Ethics can be approached from many angels. By definition (from an old dictionary – because the definitions aren’t slanted from a “PC” perspective) from the Greeks of ancient times – “the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation; a set of moral principles or values; the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group.” Good, bad, moral … words suffused with emotion that find space in every Religion practiced today are terms we’ll confront in this post on ethics.
I will do my upmost to avoid “religious” connotations – however, I am a person of Faith, I believe in a God, I was raised in such an environment and I know my foundational core values are steeped in religion and therefore will seep out without me even knowing – for that I ask in advance your indulgence.
Remember, my definition of business is, “to identify, acquire and maintain customers.” In that light, let’s look at my description of the CEO’s job – “Enhance shareholder value.” Whether it’s a sole-proprietorship or a Fortune 500 company, it’s the same – “enhance shareholder value.”
Without name dropping, it’s easy to find examples in today’s press where CEO’s, corporate officers, etc., have allowed or, in some cases, participated in less than “ethical” ways. By anyone’s definition the “moral obligations/principles” and governing values were ignored. Why? We never seem to “get” the real reasons or at least answers that we can understand. Double-speak, obfuscation, – everything except what appears to be the truth. Again the question – why?
There always seems to be an “economic” incentive for such action. Many times it’s to “capture” a larger market share quicker. Regardless, these strategies descend into the dark side of Grey and flirt with outright wrong-doing.
Of all the reasons that could account for such a slide into the dark side of ethical behavior, I believe it begins with rationalization. Lowering our standards to equal or reach our expectations! A “short-cut” to what many would agree is immediate gratification. In stark contrast to rationalization is repentance. Raising our standards to equal or reach our expectations! Take personal responsibility for our situation.
In a repentant mind-set we acknowledge “we aren’t where we want to be,” our performance isn’t what we expect of ourselves. Instead of rationalizing the situation and taking a lower path, we must view the situation as one of our making, change our approach, change our minds, acknowledge our regret (repent) of the path chosen and raise our awareness, remind ourselves of what our core values demand of us in all situations and press forward with renewed hope and conviction that the sure and steady path will bear fruit.
History is replete with examples of success through repentance. It’s a personal choice and for many one grounded in our upbringing … “Old Fashion?” … perhaps … Relevant – Yes!
In business or life – choose the right – let the consequences follow!
