Recently, I was researching the ethics of “bluffing” in business. Albert Carr wrote an article in Harvard Business Review about this very subject that stunned me with the depth of Mr. Carr’s rationalization for poor behavior. He contended that “business is a game and that anything is fair in a game, if it doesn’t violate the law.” He believed that ...
My prayers were leading me towards exiting banking to teach business leaders to integrate their faith into their business practices, but I had doubts. God knew I needed affirmation. So, God sent a bank customer who owned a heating and air business. With “Christian-owned business” embroidered on his shirt, this man cussed profusely as he proceeded to tell me about ...
When I was in college, Bill lived across the hall from me for a semester. Most mornings I saw Bill rise early, head down to breakfast, then grab some books and head off towards school. When the following semester started many of us were surprised when Bill didn’t come back to school. It was then we learned of Bill’s deception. ...
A Chief Financial Officer of a well-known organization in his community called to seek my counsel. He had recently discovered that a past employee had embezzled a significant sum of money. When the facts were presented to the board, the board was divided on whether to prosecute. The most “influential group” was leaning towards keeping the theft secret to protect ...
My friend, Phil, isn’t proud of it, but admits that occasionally he lies to avoid confrontation, to protect someone’s feelings, and/or to cover forgetfulness or errors. For many of us, lying happens without thinking. Some call them “white lies.” Proverbs 6:16-19 says. “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands ...
As a nonprofit leader who raises money, I have found that my motives are sometimes less than pure. There are occasions when I’m with wealthy business people who need counsel or prayer. As someone who loves to help others, I’m quick to assist them. But at times, my mind drifts to thoughts of them writing the ministry a big check ...
Robin’s family has a moving business, now run by her brother, Jim. Robin shared with me that one client hired Jim to move a heavy safe into their basement. While navigating a narrow staircase, Jim scraped the wall slightly. Even though this wall was very scratched up already, Jim felt an obligation to admit his error. When he showed this ...
This week we’re discussing some of the causes of conflict in today’s workplace. One of those causes is deceit. While working as a lender at a large bank part of my job was to recruit new bank customers. On one occasion, after years of hard work, I finally landed an account from a high-profile company. A superior of mine, however, ...
The revelation of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual escapades brought a cavalcade of victims coming forward. I’m thankful that women and men who have been victimized now have the opportunity for justice, however, there will likely also be those who view this as an opportunity to make false accusations. Mike Pence took some heat for his practice of avoiding being alone with ...
In our world, a little dishonesty is okay if you can get away with it and it helps you get ahead. Businesses use puffery in advertisements to excite us into buying their products. Businesses lie about their markups and hours so they can squeeze a little more profit from us. We accept this and look the other way. If everyone ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
