Are you ethical in your business dealings? Are you ethical in your personal dealings? There are many people who would say that their business ethics and personal ethics have absolutely nothing to do with each other, but the truth is that they have a lot to do with each other because there is no such thing as business ethics. Either you are ethical in life or you are not!

I look at the current state of business in America and I think that lack of ethics and character are a big part of the downturn in our economy in recent years. Some may say that there have always been scandals in business and government and I would agree with that, but at no other time in history has it been as exceptional as it is today. In today’s society, people think that it is a normal matter if they have to lie and cheat to get ahead. As terrible as it sounds, it’s true! Where do people get the idea that it’s okay to be unethical? In large part, I think they see scandals from past presidents, CEOs, even people on their children’s school boards who make unethical decisions and do unethical things. This problem will only continue to get worse until we American citizens stand up and say no more! We need to begin teaching the youth of the Americas that there is good and evil. Many people are too busy worrying about doing whatever it takes to get ahead at any cost, to realize the example we are setting for the next generation.

Are you willing to cheat on your golf score? If you go to the supermarket and the cashier gives you change for a $ 20 bill when you only gave him a $ 10 bill, do you correct it? The sad thing is, most people are willing to cheat on a golf score and would not correct the cashier. With that said, if people are willing to cheat on their golf score, why wouldn’t they be willing to cheat on their taxes or fail to honor a business deal? People don’t think of not correcting the cashier as a robbery, but it really is! If someone is willing to steal from the grocery store where they shop, what would prevent them from stealing from your business expense account? Therein lies the problem. Now you have to understand that I am not coming to you with all this resolved nor am I on a high horse looking down on anyone, but I believe that we all have to work much harder to make honest and ethical decisions in our lives. and have a zero tolerance policy for those with whom we partner. We need a true leader who will stand up and say no more. It starts out as a few people and then it becomes infectious and will continue to spread. What we are striving for is restoring ourselves as men and women, to go back to a time when I could seal a deal with a handshake and his good word, after all, a man’s word is worth it (this it also applies to women). It is up to you and me to demand that those we deal with on a daily basis have high moral standards and a strong code of ethics!

What steps will you take to secure your future in business and in life? I know that it is a daily battle for me to do what I say to be in time to tell the full truth and point out unethical things to those who are doing them and help rectify the situation. Let us come together as a united nation and demand that our government, businesses and families be founded on a foundation of solid principles and values. Only we can make a difference! For a brighter future and a stronger nation, God bless you!

For your success

Chad demay