Week 3: What We Owe to Each Other

This was another very busy week for me, but it's always refreshing to talk about ethics, and I love thinking about it in a business context. 

One of my favorite TV shows is NBC’s the Good Place. One of the characters is a formal moral philosophy and ethics professor, and he provides the show with one of its main concepts: that is, that how we treat one another, and shape one another, is what makes life valuable. The argument is that people were created to be around each other, and so one of the central purposes of life has to be to try to do as much good as possible. I really believe that, and I think that’s why moral and ethical decisions, not just in regard to my business, but always, are very important to me. I also love thinking about morality in business as being a team effort, captained by the founders of the company. Each member of the team is responsible for meeting the ethical standards set by those to whom the company belongs.

I think part of what makes someone a good fit for your business is that they align with your vision AND your values. You can't have just one or the other. If you just have someone who aligns with your vision, they may pursue that vision in a way that’s uncomfortable or crosses ethical lines you don’t want to cross. If it’s just the values, they may not really care enough to take calculated risks with you, and they definitely won’t be as committed to the project as you are.

One of my people that I just found is Mackenzie, pictured above. She is so ready to help me create what I envision, and she did so perfectly yesterday as a model for a project I’m very passionate about. Here’s to good friends and honesty in business!!