On Treating Vendors Fairly

Net 30. Everyone has seen those words on an invoice. And we all know what it means. Credit has been extended for up to 30 days to allow us to arrange to pay the bill. All too often, the practice among businesses is to stretch out the terms. Many companies purposely extend to 60, 90 and even longer. They are, in effect, using their vendors to finance their own operations. In most cases it forces the vendors to dip into expensive lines of credit to pay for the labor or materials they used to supply the product. This is patently unfair – to everyone. It forces prices up for all of us. It reduces profits and therefore cheats employees out of raises and bonuses. Repeat this: Starting with me, vendor relations will be honest and respectful. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Settling for Low Quality Work

I hate the word “mediocrity.” There is nothing admirable about being lukewarm, average, or okay. We have an ethical responsibility to strive for the best in all our activities. Settling for low quality work is flat out immoral and accepting “meets minimum standards” is demoralizing, at best.

The good news is that we can change that. No matter what your job is, whatever part of the process you own, go for excellence. You may stir up a little controversy, but stick to your guns. Deep down, I think everyone wants to do their best.

Repeat this: Starting with me, good enough is no longer good enough. I will seek the best.

On Decreasing Health Costs

The fastest rising costs in our economy today are in health care. Politicians, business owners, taxpayers and health care providers are all debating about who should bear those costs. But here’s something you can take to the bank. Studies show that most of the money spent on health care goes to correcting poor lifestyle choices. You and I can make a huge difference in not only our own health care costs, but in those of our company and even of our nation.

Repeat this: Starting with me, health care will be a personal responsibility. I will eat right, exercise, and stop doing things that are harmful to my health.

On Decreasing Turnover

Do you work someplace with high employee turnover? Do you get tired of seeing an endless stream of trainees who don’t seem to care as much about the job as you do? Do you wish you could do something about it? Well, maybe you can. You may not have the authority to increase wages or grant different schedules, but one of the biggest factors in employee turnover is a lack of a sense of belonging, or of importance. You can do something about that.

Repeat this: Starting with me, new employees will see someone in the workplace who cares about them and what they bring to the team.

On Wasting Resources

Waste. Definitely not a welcome word in most businesses. Most of us are very careful to reduce waste and to avoid wasting time, energy, and other resources. But how many of us are aware of wasting our influence? As we are successful in our jobs, it gives us influence among our fellow employees, customers, etc. How are you using your influence? Purely for your own gain? Or are you using the favor you’ve found with others to make a difference?

Repeat this: Starting with me, good favor will be seen as a valuable resource. I will use whatever influence I have to make a difference in my workplace, my neighborhood, and my community.

For more tips and information, visit http://www.startingwithme.us/.

On Corporate Giving

Corporate giving is not just for big companies. Employees and small business owners can give – and receive a great deal in return. Why give? It adds a deeper sense of meaning to your life. It improves your morale. And it builds a sense of camaraderie and caring with and for others. How should you give? It can be in the form of one-time gifts, or ongoing support. Through writing a check, or volunteering time or your talents, services or products. Companies can benefit greatly by helping their employees give. Don’t wait around for someone to ask you. Repeat this: Starting with me, giving will become the norm, not the exception. I will start today, no matter how small. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Taking Responsibility

If there’s one thing we are learning from the corporate debacles of late, it’s that no one likes a whiner. When you make a mistake, stand up and take responsibility. Ethically and morally, taking responsibility is the high ground. It moves you quickly past the negative consequences of the public spotlight. It will very likely be cheaper in the long run. It models the kind of behavior you expect from your coworkers and bosses. And it eliminates shame and blame from your corporate culture. You’re going to make mistakes. It’s how quickly and thoroughly you take responsibility that defines your character. Repeat this: Starting with me, responsibility will not be something to be ducked. I will let take responsibility for my own actions. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Wasting Resources

Waste. Definitely not a welcome word in most businesses. Most of us are very careful to reduce waste; to avoid wasting time, energy, and other resources. But how many of us are aware of wasting our influence? As we are successful in our jobs, it gives us influence among our fellow employees, customers, etc. How are you using your influence? Purely for your own gain? Or are you using the favor you’ve found with others to make a difference? Repeat this: Starting with me, good favor will be seen as a valuable resource. I will use whatever influence I have to make a difference in my workplace, my neighborhood, and community. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

CEO Pay - Ethics and Practicality

The ethics of CEO Compensation has hit the news again, this time in discussion of Doug Steenland, the man who pulled Northwest Airlines out of bankruptcy. The board rewarded Steenland with $26 million in stock awards (and another $10+ million to each of four other top executives).

There is no doubt that Steenland et al performed a great feat. One could make a good argument that it was well worth the approximately $75 million they were paid. But this whole affair poses both an ethical and a practical issue.

Ethically, is it right to reward top management for bargaining away employees' salary and benefits? Is it right to award the first fruits of what was clearly a team effort to just part of the team?

Practically, what are they thinking? NWA comes out of bankruptcy and immediately ignites a controversy with the very people who they will depend on to keep them out of bankruptcy. I don't know what Steenland and company's regular salary is, but I'll bet it's enough to contribute nicely to their retirement funds.

The board made a mistake in offering the bonuses. Steenland and his cohorts made a mistake in accepting them.

It's a matter of ethics. It's a matter of practicality.

Chris McDonald: A voice for corporate responsibility

I don't know how many of you regularly read Chris MacDonald of St. Mary's University in Canada, but if you want to follow corporate ethics at all, you really ought to bookmark his blog. He comments daily on the ethical implications of corporate activities. He pulls no punches, but also gives credit where credit is due.

MacDonald has a long-term view on things. That's important in ethics because he is not swayed by the vagaries of public opinion, but rather by a sense of what is right and what is good. I strongly recommend him as a daily diet.

Why am I pushing this? MacDonald and other like him generate discussion on ethics which, in turn, affects people's ethical behavior. It's as simple as "Starting With Me."

Thank you, Professor MacDonald. Click Here to read his blog.