Character Counts In Business As In Life
I've been writing a bit about character and general rights and wrongs in business. Admittedly, it's a reflection of things I've seen, heard, and experienced lately. It seems I've run into a rash of people with questionable ethics – late payers, white liars, and vendor avoiders.
It's a shame. And it's shameful.
I don't get people that clearly know better, but attempt to justify their actions through BS explanations and multiple revisions of historical record. Some of the issues I've encountered are the results of incredibly poor judgment. Others are clearly poor character.
The bottom line is you're known by the people you associate with. And you are what you tolerate. The lesson to learn is character counts.
You know the difference between right and worng. Make the right choice.
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By marky, December 21, 2005 @ 7:17 am
Sometimes it is really easy to say than to do. I’ve encountered a lot of situations concerning bad character on the workplace. It’s really hard, especially when YOU KNOW that the right thing to do will (at times) put you into a harder situation. You know what I mean here. I guess, a lot of people also experienced same things. But then again, at the end, it’s you’re conscience that will put you into feeling bad and guilty.
By Jim Logan, December 21, 2005 @ 2:28 pm
Marky, You raise a great point! It is sometimes tough to do the right thing.
Some people – in their mind – seperate business from their personal life. Soe believe business is a zero sum game, where as long as “I” win, nothing else matters.
Doing the “right” thing in business – which could be authorizing a return, shipping at no cost, giving away a product, flying someone to the site, calling a creditor even when you can’t pay – most always repays itself. It builds on the character of the company. And customers and buisess partners will acknowledge it.
IMHO
By Kevin, December 21, 2005 @ 6:47 pm
Jim – the older I get, the more I find it’s not so hard to do the right thing. When I look at people who make ethical choices based on the condition and the moment, I see empty lives and scared souls . When I look at people who have strong moral compasses and who live by their values, I see rich, full and happy lives. Which would you prefer? For me, the choice is easy!
By Jim Logan, December 21, 2005 @ 8:47 pm
Kevin, I agree. I think people that are consistently questionable in their ethics loose in the long run. Doing the “right thing” not only helps most people sleep better at night, it shines through all of their business and personal life dealings. People notice and react positively to good and fair decisions and treatment.
Sad not everyone gets it.