I was stunned and appalled to read an article sponsored by a major sales publication promoting the “Art of the bluff.” The author was cautious to highlight the negative connotations around bluffing—the feeling of manipulation, the proximity to lying, and the knife edge a “bluffer’ must walk to avoid lying. Trying as hard as I […]
Ethics
7 Delusions About Business Ethics Limit Future Growth
New entrepreneurs tend to focus only on getting the product right, and assume that the right culture and ethics will come later simply by hiring good people. In fact, they need an early focus on developing their moral compass, as well as setting the right ethical tone. Building an ethical business is more than just […]
Do You Think Your Marketing is Ethical?
If I asked your customers whether your marketing is ethical or not, what do you think they’d say? If you’re unsure what “ethical marketing” is… “Ethical marketing refers to the application of marketing ethics into the marketing process. Briefly, marketing ethics refers to the philosophical examination, from a moral standpoint, of particular marketing issues that […]
Exploring the Ethical Dilemmas of Corporate Gift Giving
During the last holiday season, The Ladders published an article citing research on the motivational benefits of gift giving in the workplace. A survey by the Advertising Specialty Institute showed that 42% of employers gave gifts to their employees. When you are looking for ways to motivate your staff, you should show appreciation and reward […]
5 Business Warning Signs That Signal Ethical Exposure
Based on my years of experience working with entrepreneurs, I strongly believe that most of you start your business with the highest of ideals, but have no idea how many situations you will face that don’t have clear-cut answers, or raise ethical dilemmas. For example, how should you handle a cash flow crisis, where you […]
You Are Watched, Mostly When Decisions Are Tough
If you have been in management or an entrepreneur long enough, you will have experienced the gray area of decision-making where ethics, the law, your needs and expediency all collide. This is the time when you are paid the big bucks, and when others aware of your plight will be watching most carefully. It is […]
You Are Your Company’s Moral Compass
Here’s yet another story that you may identify with—or have yet to experience in your business life. It’s one of those that define your leadership for all to see, sometimes based upon decisions made in the moment—such as this one. A story of a CEO’s snap judgment call Years ago, when I was CEO of […]
What if You Come Across Juicy Competitor Information?
Many of us belong to industry associations and find ourselves at conferences and trade shows with time to spend with competitors. Some of these are old friends; some even former associates. It is natural to want to associate with these people for many reasons, certainly socially. Most CEOs want to obtain information about their competitors […]
7 Cultural Myths That Can Destroy Your Moral Compass
New entrepreneurs tend to focus only on getting the product right, and assume that the right culture and ethics will come later simply by hiring good people. In fact, they need an early focus on developing their moral compass, as well as setting the right ethical tone. Building an ethical business is more than just […]
Company Conscience: Telling Right from Wrong in the Corporate World
In the corporate world, it can be difficult to do the right thing as opposed to what may be the more profitable option. However, ethical dealings with your people, customers, and other companies can actually prove to be more profitable in the long run. How do you tell right from wrong in the corporate world? […]
