Team,
Ethical people are those who recognize the difference between right and wrong and set an example of good conduct. In a business setting, it means applying principles of honesty and fairness to relationships with coworkers, customers and even competitors. "Trustworthy" is one of our brand value drivers.
Most of us will read this and think DUH! Of course I'm going to be ethical. But sometimes we need a reminder of how important this is. At a corporate level, we accept nothing but honest and ethical behavior. Not only is it our legal obligation to all of our stakeholders, but it is also one of the most important factors of our reputation. I'm pleased by the responses received in our engagement surveys, but I think we can do even better. When asked to rate, "My manager effectively provides an ethical, trustworthy and desirable work environment", 91% of you responded favorably. Companies who are fair and open in their dealings with employees have a better chance of retaining the most talented people. A company's reputation for ethical behavior can help it create a more positive image in the marketplace, which can bring in new customers through word-of-mouth referrals.
I'd like you to consider the personal impact of ethics on your reputation. Ethical employees are perceived as team players rather than as individuals just out for themselves. They develop positive relationships with coworkers. Their supervisors trust them with confidential information and they are often given more autonomy as a result. Benjamin Franklin once said, "It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation and only one bad one to lose it."
Looking back on everything we've faced while building this business, I'm proud of the way we've handled all the opportunities and challenges. As an organization that has built its business on strong partnerships and relationships over the years, our ethics has always steered us in the right direction and is the foundation of our reputation in the marketplace. I've always had faith that if you do the right thing, positive results will eventually follow.
We work in a competitive environment, but win or lose, let’s make sure we practice good sportsmanship and don't burn bridges – with carrier partners, coworkers, clients and competitors. After all, you never know when a company that was your competitor one day, could be your partner the next. That is so important to our culture and has contributed to the success we celebrate today.
Happy August!
Adam
