Posts Tagged ‘Ethics’

Character Development: Take a Stand

By Linda Lord

A couple years ago, a young man made a decision to remove himself from a team because he felt he could no longer wear the uniform with pride. He was uncomfortable with how the team was being coached and how humiliation was one of the primary ‘motivators.’ Recently, he was told that although he had adequate talent to play at a higher level, his previous decision of leaving that other team would cost him a spot on the team he was trying out for.

There are other backroom politics at work here, but the lesson shows us that when we stand up for what we think is right, or take a stand for how people should be treated, it doesn’t always ensure a happy Hollywood ending. The young man stands by his original decision. After the disappointment of watching others, who he has played with for years, make the team, he shook his head, declaring that nothing about the situation years ago had really changed. He didn’t succomb to the coach’s public announcement. He didn’t cower. In fact, he rested up, and tried out for another team later that same day.

When faced with difficult circumstances and choices in life, we have to be willing to stand up for what we believe is right. Sometimes we will stand alone. The important thing is to stand. When we have done all that we can, we stand. Is there something you have been waiting to take a stand on? Someone who needs you to defend them? There is no better time, than now.

ABOUT LINDA LORD As a Human Agriculturalist and Storytiller: Linda produces presentations that grow people. She fertilizes the performance ground with H.O.P.E. (honesty, optimism, perspective, and experience) and plants seeds of L.I.F.E. (laughter, information, focus, and encouragement) that cultivate the individual’s ability to C.O.P.E. (clarify, organize, plan, and engage). Linda integrates meaningful content with her experience as a workshop leader, business person, and performer. Her delivery is dynamic, interactive, and entertaining. Participants reflect on character, circumstances and choices to enhance their soft skills. Linda can be contacted on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, www.lindajlord.com or by phone 1.519.257.7363.

Posted by Jameel in Lifestyle on May 2nd, 2011

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Make a difference

By Randy Cooray

Who remembers the Seinfield episode where Elaine told Jerry not to take his business to a mom-and-pop pizza shop because of their support of a controversial cause? It was later determined that Elaine’s boyfriend and the character affectionately known as ‘Poppy’ agreed with the stance, which resulted in a myriad of hi-jinx during the episode.

The show itself may have been a barrel of laughs – and one can only guess if the pizza place survived despite its position – but  it does bring up the crucial element of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Whether a company is big or small, developing a relationship with a charity is an  important component of a company’s day-to-day operation. Whether institutions try to combat terminal illness, local poverty, or  other  causes – companies do have a recognizable stake throughout the public in one form or another.

There are hundreds of company-sponsored initiatives or events, and getting similar acknowledgment for a small business can be a challenge. However, the advantages for companies big and small are the same – community involvement  and simply  helping those around you.

It makes sense to  participate in a cause that you’re passionate about. By appealing to the public about a personal cause, it can unite you with the community and bring more positive recognition to your company.

Any company can make a difference, no matter the size!

Marisa's Wedding Shower 07-12-09 432Randy Cooray has been on both sides of the media spectrum working in the Public Relations field after five years in Journalism. From one-on-one interviews with professional athletes, to collaborating on breaking news stories. Randy is now a part of the corporate communications industry.

Posted by Lynnette in Getting Organized, Lifestyle on December 1st, 2010

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Business ethics 101: Doing the right thing.

If you’re a regular visitor to the STAPLES How’s Business? blog, you’ve likely read a variety of posts including lists of hints and tips to help you run your small business more successfully.

In today’s post, we’re going to offer you another exhaustive list, this time on business ethics. Here it is:

1. Do the right thing.

That’s it.

Well, you might be asking yourself, I know what doing the right thing means in my personal life – be honest, show compassion, show generosity, do no harm – but what does it mean in business?

It means exactly the same.

Doing the right thing or doing business ethically isn’t just a good idea because it’ll make you feel good – which it will. It’s actually better for your business in the long run because a company that’s run ethically and that treats everyone with respect is one that employees and customers feel inordinately loyal toward.

Business ethics, of course, isn’t a one-way street. Making your employees more ethical can positively benefit your company’s bottom line.

Behavioral economist and author of Predictably Irrational  Dan Ariely has conducted exhaustive research on why people cheat and has drawn some fascinating conclusions on human nature and ethics in business.

One simple way he’s discovered to make people more ethical is to have them sign an honour code before they begin a task – something you might want to consider instituting in your dealings both with customers and employees. Ariely explains at 4:24 in the video below how this honour code works and the cost savings one company experienced.

 

 

Finally, Paul Spiegelman  breaks down business ethics this way:

  • Live the values: Make sure your core values are not just a plaque on a wall, but the essence of how the company operates.
  • Make employees come clean: If an employee does something to violate the core values of the company, hold them accountable. Others are watching your example.
  • Communicate purpose and vision: If your employees understand the mission and vision of the company, and their purpose for making the world a better place, your risk of people getting off track is diminished.

 Why do you think some businesses stray from ethical behaviour and what can be done about it?

Posted by Lynnette in Growing Your Biz on July 26th, 2010

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Identity Theft Hurts: Part 1

By Donna Marrin

Imagine this: A stranger finds a way to steal your personal information, be it your social insurance number, driver’s license number, credit card and bank account numbers, your mother’s maiden name. Then he uses this information to obtain lines of credit and credit cards from banks and retailers, siphon money from your existing accounts, apply for loans, open accounts with utility companies, rent lodging, file bankruptcy, obtain a job. He uses your name to wreak havoc. It takes you months, even years, to get your life, and your credit rating, back to normal. This isn’t a nightmare—it’s an alarming trend that’s happening right now to people like you.

Let’s look at some facts:

• According to law enforcement officials, identity theft is today’s fastest growing crime
• Criminals will use a victim’s identity to commit a wide range of crimes—from traffic violations to felonies
• Armed with only the victim’s social insurance number, birth date and an address and phone number, a criminal can use this information, combined with a forged driver’s license displaying their own picture, to begin a crime spree in your name.

What spells ‘opportunity’ to a criminal?

  1. Recent Death
    A criminal will do groundwork to locate addresses of any recently deceased by browsing obituary columns in the newspaper, monitoring selected residences and grabbing any mail that accumulates. It may take a few days or as long as a month to collect what they need before they can steal an identity. They look for bank statements, credit card receipts, tax bills, utility bills, and they will pick through garbage if necessary. They depend on the deceased’s loved ones being so distraught that they neglect to notify the post office about cancellation of mail delivery.
  2. High-Tech Tools
    Probably the easiest way to steal an identity is by using a computer recording device (spyware) that transfers information from the victim’s computer to the thief’s. Spyware records all your computer activity: passwords, banking information, credit card numbers, private emails, chat-line conversations. All of your information is funneled directly into a free and untraceable email account, whereupon an automated process scans to extract your most high-security information. You won’t know what hit you until it’s too late. Thieves often also send out emails disguised to appear to be from legitimate businesses requesting personal data.
  3. Easy-To-Access Mailboxes
    What’s an identity thief’s handiest tool? Your mailbox. Any mailbox that offers easy access is fair game. Typically, they seek out bills detailing your personal information. They are not averse to rummaging through your garbage either, in search of personal information. They will go so far as to submit a change of address notice to the post office, having your mail rerouted to a new post office box. They will send in those “pre-approved credit card offers” that they’ve picked from your trash, to credit card companies, with a “new address” substituted. Of course, the new card—with your name on it—is then sent directly to the thief.
  4. “Lost” ID
    Forgery of social insurance cards, driver’s licenses and birth certificates is big business. The only equipment needed is a computer, a good printer, and the right software—easy to find on the Web if you know what to look for. An electronic device called a “skimmer” can be connected to the credit card reader at restaurants or any cash station; it reads the magnetic strip on your card then transmits your personal information to another location, where it is re-encoded and used to create a fraudulent credit card.
  5. Out on the Town with Your Guard Down
    Worst case scenario: a waiter or salesperson retains a record of your card number, expiry date and security code on the back of your card, waits a few weeks, then uses your information to go on an online shopping spree. It has happened. Trying to determine exactly where and when your card numbers were stolen are next to impossible.
    And how careful are you with your password while using an ATM machine? A device similar to the skimmer can be installed to read your card’s data and if the thief happens to be close enough to look over your shoulder as you input your PIN, it won’t be long before you discover that your bank account has been siphoned.

Tune in next week for Part 2 of Identity Theft Hurts: Prevention is your Best Revenge.

Donna Marrin is a freelance Senior Writer/Editor specializing in corporate communications and advertising. She also founded and runs the Markham Village Writers. You can visit their website at www.markhamvillagewriters.com

Posted by Lynnette in Getting Organized on May 18th, 2010

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STAPLES BizTIPs 4business: Guard your customers' privacy

By Small Business Expert, Roger Pierce, BizLaunch

Privacy issues are now a number one concern for North American consumers. Privacy issues include safeguarding your customers’ personal information against misuse or identity theft, eliminating unauthorized customer contact and preventing fraud.

We live in an electronic age where our personal information gets zapped around, making it easy for thieves to steal our identities or abuse our data. It’s no surprise that consumers are demanding that small business owners safeguard their information.

Show your customers how carefully you handle their personal information and you’ll win their trust. Here’s how:

• Never share or sell your customer information, such as a mailing address, email address, income level, purchasing habits or other data, without their consent.
• Obviously, never sell their financial information, such as a credit card or SIN number.
• Control employee access to files containing sensitive customer information.
• Physically and electronically safeguard data. Use locking drawers and vaults to store paper records, or simply shred originals. Set up passwords for computer programs containing customer data and change those passwords regularly.
• Avoid blasting your customers with too many “sales” messages to avoid becoming a ‘spammer.’

You can learn more about this and other how-to topics at a free STAPLES BizLaunch Seminar or Webinar. To find one near you, please visit http://www.staples.ca/bizlaunch today.

 

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ROGER PIERCE is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve success. Co-founder of Canada’s largest small business training company, BizLaunch.ca, he’s launched eleven small businesses of his own and personally experienced what he calls “the good, the bad and the ugly” sides of entrepreneurship.

BizLaunch advises thousands of Canadian startups through its popular how-to seminars and webinars delivered with partners such as STAPLES.

Posted by Lynnette in STAPLES BizTIPs on March 26th, 2010

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