Got Ethics?

Allan Goldner

It’s time to get serious.  You’ve got your business up and running.  You’ve done your homework, got your game on, and you’re ready to play.  The entity is set, the licenses, secured. Banking and funding all good.  Site and staff, fluffed and trained, respectively. The business plan is gracefully getting executed. OK, take a deep breath.  You may not realize it, but you have arrived at a crossroads. This is a defining and critical moment and without question, the least considered in the life of all new and more often than not, not so new entrepreneurs. Let’s talk about your business ethics. 

Now is the time to consciously think out a stratagem of guiding principles in which you will conduct the affairs of managing your business.  How will you and your staff deal with each other, your customers or clients, your vendors and affiliations?  The answers shall define the quality of what you are and of all you do, from now ‘til death do you part. Pretty heavy, huh?

We often talk about work ethics. Usually summarized as one’s ability to focus and drive themselves tirelessly and unwaveringly to achieve the goals of the business. Alternatively, we think about one’s belief in one’s service or product as an ethical stand or choice. While these are both important, they are only part of what I’m speaking about in this context.

I’m referring to the ethics of behavior that guide your performance as an entrepreneur and as a leader and representative of your business.  It’s the moral code that underlies and oversees your actions and decisions which you consider proper and necessary to carry out your business.  Are you willing to make your profits at any cost?  Is it important to you that your staff is fairly and equitably treated along the way?  Should your client or customer feel that you are compelled by your character to provide the best product or service?  Would you consider making less money or even failing in your endeavor rather then compromising your principles?

The interesting thing about defining your ethical profile is that the process is ongoing.  After 30 years of being involved with businesses, I find myself still reviewing and reevaluating my principles.  Situations will continue to arise that will challenge your ethics.  Quick returns and easy fixes surface all the time.  How will you react to them?

How do you sleep at night?