Self Importance Reveals Your Own Business Ethics and Unimportance

How many times have you attended a business networking event and observed the following:

• People talking on the cell phones when someone is speaking from the podium?
• People texting on their Blackberries or Treos or PDAs responding to text messages or emails?
• People with wireless Bluetooth ear pieces or similar devices?
• People talking on the cell phones in the lobby and letting everyone know that they are talking on the phone?

What does this really tell you about these individuals? First, they have a lot self importance. Second, they are rude and clearly do not have positive business ethics. Third, they are truly people I probably do not want to do business with given their observed behaviors.

During a recent luncheon honoring some local and dedicated business leaders, I watched at my table (6 men and 3 women and none being physicians) five of the men busy replying on their PDAs. One gentleman actually did leave the table and went outside to take a call. My thought as I looked at all of this activity is that "No one unless you are the President of the United States or a physician on call, is that important!"

As I continued to watch this type of self importance behavior, I began to have these two thoughts:

1. Would anyone want to do business with a CPA, attorney, dentist or real estate agent who cannot give her or his focus for at least 30 minutes?
2. Would I be confident in referring one of these individuals?

Our behaviors demonstrate to the outside world as to our internal attitudes and the beliefs that drive those attitudes. Sometimes, individuals forget that the rest of the world is watching from an entirely different perspective.

If we look back 10, 20 and 50 years ago, was this type of behavior prevalent. For the most part, no because the excuse of technology was not available and people in general were far more polite and respectful. Men took off their hats when the flag passed or when entering a building and always in a restaurant. Women also were more respectful in the marketplace from their dress to their own behaviors.

Business ethics is the sum total of your behaviors and how you respond in public regardless if public means your place of work or public means a business luncheon. As some would say, leave your ego with all of your own self importance at the door for you never know who is watching.

Effective leaders understand the importance of business ethics. Take this FREE leadership audit to help you identify your leadership skills

Are you seeking a motivational speaker for your next conference or sales meeting? Give Leanne a call at 219.759.5601.

Leanne Hoagland-Smith, chief customer officer, helps organizations through business coaching training services to return to the purpose of business that being building ravings fans while increasing productivity and profitability. With offices in Chicago, Indianapolis and colleagues nationwide, she can help you become the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits. Call 219.759.5601 to schedule a free business coaching consultation.

Business Ethics Training - Why Important?
Many people wonder if business ethics is just a buzzword that has been tossed around lately, due to some of the aggressive tactics we have seen them as we enter the 21st century. I assure you, it is here to stay. What needs to be done is for more people to brush up on their ethics, as they relate to business, to make sure they always operate with...

How To Build A Business Ethics Program
Recent corporate financial scandals have highlighted the importance of business ethics and legal compliance. Yet a recent National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) survey of 280 corporate CEOs and directors found that "only one of three directors felt that they were highly effective in ensuring legal compliance".Ethics in BusinessMost comp...

Corporate Ethics - Ensuring Business Stability
For businesses to reach financial stability, good morale and client satisfaction, corporate ethics must be a guiding policy for all involved.Have you ever heard of the old saying with friends like that, who needs enemies? That is just the case where employees, managers or others working in a business are jeopardizing corporate ethics. Many corporat...

The Critical Importance of Business Ethics For Effective Leadership
How important are business ethics to being an effective leader? According to the American Management Association, it is an important characteristic of effective leaders today. In a survey of 462 executives who were asked, What characteristics are needed to be an effective leader today? 56% ranked ethical behavior as an important characteristic, f...

Encouraging Ethical Behavior
Most authorities agree that there is room for improvement in business ethics. One of the most problematic questions raised in relation to business ethics is whether or not businesses can become more ethical in the real world. The majority opinion on this issue suggests that government, trade associations, and individual firms can indeed establish a...

How Do You Define Integrity Within Your Business Ethics Or Business Values Statement?
Recently during a radio interview, one of the hosts made this statement:Integrity is putting your values into action. Robin Siemens Immediately, I jotted down this incredibly powerful definition because Robin had not only defined the word, but more importantly connected the word to performance. So many words are used to define business ethics and...

Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Business ethics is a form of applied ethics that examines just rules and principles within a commercial context; the various moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business setting; and any special duties or obligations that apply to persons who are engaged in commerce. Generally speaking, business ethics is a normative discipline, whereby p...