Ethical Companies Means Ethical People!
12/16/03
Kevin Rollins, President and COO of Dell Inc., made a strong statement about integrity: "The soul of Dell is our statement of the core values. ... The simple five statements are as follows: 1) to create loyal customers and provide superior customer experience at great value; 2) to encourage teamwork and the opportunity each team member has to learn, develop and grow; 3) to be direct and honest in all we do; 4) to participate responsibly in the global marketplace and 5) to have a passion for winning with integrity. We believe corporate ethics depends upon the behavior of every employee led by the CEO, COO and the CFOs. We believe there is no such thing as an ethical company. There are only ethical people. For what is the core of a company but its people. When every member of our team uses words like 'respected' and 'integrity' to describe us before they use the words No. 1, that's when we'll know we've breathed life into the soul of Dell."
Ethical companies exist because of ethical people making tough but important choices in real decisions every day on and off the job. The stated values give us the reason to act. The committed exercise of ethical choices builds the habit of living those values. It is easy to think of other people who ought to read this message, but as we come to the end of the year, let us each reflect on the habits we have that earn the trust that makes change leadership possible. What words do your people use to describe your company? Would "respect," "trust," and "integrity" be high on the list of adjectives used by your team members and colleagues to describe you? Core values listed on a wall or in an annual report have a way of fading into the gray zone of unacknowledged wisdom. If you want your team and company to have an "ethical" soul, try referring to your corporate values at least once in every meeting or presentation you have. The holiday season often gives time for reflection; use some of it to reflect on the values that guide you in these changing times.
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Core values listed on a wall or in an annual report have a way of fading into the gray zone of unacknowledged wisdom. If you want your team and company to have an 'ethical' soul, try referring to your corporate values at least once in every meeting or presentation you have." --Terry Paulson, Ph.D.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Today's mirth comes from Rex E. via Dr. Ann Weeks and her WEEKS OF FUN # 348. A first grade teacher collected well known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of a proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading these keep in mind that these are first graders, "6" year-olds, and then just enjoy the wisdom!
Strike while the ............................bug is close.
It's always darkest before..................Daylight Saving Time.
Don't bite the hand that....................looks dirty.
No news is..................................impossible.
A miss is as good as a......................Mr.
You can't teach an old dog new..............math.
A penny saved is............................not much.
Two's company, three's......................the Musketeers.
...And one especially for Christmas!
If at first you don't succeed...............get new batteries.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...