In a world where business practices are often questioned and ethical lapses make headlines, it is essential for leaders to establish a strong foundation of integrity within our organizations.
Setting Goals with No Limits
The Bible says that with God, all things are possible. But, as Christian leaders we must establish goals that are first vetted with Him. “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, ESV). So, make sure you follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in identifying the right goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics to fulfill the path that God has ordained for you (Proverbs 3:5-6) and to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
The Key to Ethics in Business is Imitation
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
- Romans 8:29
How to we ensure that we honor the highest degree of integrity and ethics in business? The Highest form of marketing for God is to just be like Him. We serve Him best when we emulate Him. Now, you might be wondering exactly how we mere humans could even entertain the notion of being like almighty God, especially in the ruthless and cutthroat world of business. Well, this may not be as much of a quantum leap as you might think.
An Ethics Quiz for Business Leaders
I remember being a fresh college graduate and on the job in my first manager role. I was traveling on an overnight trip and on my way into breakfast, I bought a newspaper. I had missed reading the one I’d paid for already that was languishing on my doorstep at home, so it seemed quite justified that I would expense the one I bought that morning at Denny’s. A week later my expense report was paid, minus 25 cents for my newspaper. Newspapers were clearly NOT to be expensed in my company! Of course, I thought to myself I could just throw in another dollar to my tip account! Who would notice one dollar in the midst of hundreds?! I had a 25 cent ethical dilemma on my hands.
