A few days ago, I was at a social gathering with some friends. Most of us were parents of teenagers or pre-teens. Conversation veered towards the decreasing sense of ‘values’ among children. That set me thinking-people say the same thing about the corporate world. There is a perception that the young people who are joining the workforce don’t have the same respect for values that we started out with.
What’s more, there is a feeling that these values are no longer relevant, and that people who follow them can’t succeed in today’s cut-throat world. Besides making me feel really old, that is simply not true. When I look around, I find that these values today are more relevant than ever before. The corporate world is setting benchmarks in following some of these values. At the core of all our values is the motivation to do the right thing.
The argument that the ends justify the means is no longer valid in today’s times. We have to build a foundation of ethics-as individuals and as organisations. This forms the core of our business and employees. The truth is, whether it is the employees, the customers, the shareholders or anyone else linked with a company, everyone needs to be able to trust the company they associate with. When a company stresses on ethics, that trust comes automatically. And with it comes people’s renewed sense of commitment to the company’s growth. Thus, ‘doing the right thing’ is not a ‘like to have’ strategy but forms the foundation stone of building successful organisations.
Ethics is what each of us is made up of. It is manifested in our honesty and upright behaviour. Now, you may find that ironic, given the noise corruption is making around us. Perhaps that is the very reason you find honest people being held up as role models. Take the example of Rahul Dravid. If there is one cricketer who is held high as a person who combines achievement without compromising on ethical behaviour, it is him.
Another wonderful thing that happens with ethics is that you become a responsible person who is grounded. It leads to simple living, which is another so-called old value that is relevant today. In a world that is full of flash, flamboyance and bling, you might think simplicity will be lost. In fact, it stands out in contrast. You will find the corporate world peppered with leaders who exemplify this. Ratan Tata and Steve Jobs-became successful, and yet remained grounded.
With simple living also comes the dedication to the greater common good and giving back to the society. When you are grounded, you are aware that you are not the only person that matters and become more self-less. You also tend to care more for others and are more willing to contribute to the betterment of those less privileged than us. While those in the social development sector do this as a matter of course, those of us in regular corporate jobs are also now more aware and compassionate. This is because we realise that growth doesn’t come from the rise of one person. It comes when everyone rises together.
Ultimately, these values give us courage. When we have a strong moral core, we can take on anything. We rise above petty battles and take on the war. At the organisational level, we develop a stronger, sustainable growth plan if we build our core strength to run the marathon, rather than looking at short term gains by adopting whatever means. No matter how fast today’s life is, we must spend time on strengthening our moral fibre. We owe it to ourselves to do that, because it is this that distinguishes us from others. play pokies online