There’s No Such Thing as "Business" Ethics
By John C. Maxwell

      There truly is no such thing as "business" ethics. “What’s that?” you say. There must be some laws that govern people’s business actions. Well, you’re quite right. There is one rule that covers ethical behavior in business. It’s called the Golden Rule. You know the one I mean. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

      You say that rule applies to religion. Business is different. Well, no, it isn’t. You don’t like to be cheated by a business, but how can you expect to be treated fairly if your business tactics are unethical? This is the point made by John C. Maxwell in his book, There’s No Such Thing as "Business" Ethics.

      As Mr. Maxwell states, you can apply the Golden Rule to every area of your life--with great success. He provides examples and gives questions you can ask yourself to keep you on track.

     One of the examples he points to is that of J. C. Penney, founder of the chain of dry goods stores. Mr. Penney was taught the Golden Rule by his father, and he lived it in all his business dealings. When he died at age ninety-five, he was wealthy and well respected.

      Kenneth Lay has no such good fortune. He was totally unethical in his business dealings. No one trusts him or will hire him now and he does not even have so much as a good name to leave his children.

     Mr. Maxwell is honest in his writing, though. Using the Golden Rule does not guarantee great success, but it can lead you a long way down the road. Pick up this little book. You’ll learn a lot about life from it.