Ethics or simple honesty is the building blocks upon which our whole society is based, and business is a part of our society, and it’s integral to the practice of being able to conduct business, that you have a set of honest standards – Kerry Stokes
Ethical conduct, no doubt, is one of the fundamental pillars of business leadership, or any leadership for that matter.
In a society where we are bombarded with leadership failures, it is necessary to celebrate those beacons of ethical and moral fortitude that keep the economic wheel turning.
In a recent business interaction, I had the distinct privilege of experiencing the warm feeling of truly ethical, transparent and honest business principles.
I needed a branded gazebo and contacted a local signage company in Port Elizabeth, with whom I have done business for over a decade, called Brightsparx. Doron promptly supplied me with a quote and shortly afterwards followed it up with a second email, notifying me of a competitor that is currently running an amazing deal that may be of interest to me. He noted that the competitor has a very good reputation in the industry and that the promotion is unbeatable.
I thanked him for the suggestion and referral, commended him on his openness and honesty and maintained that I wish to continue doing business with him, for exactly that reason.
In response, Doron said: “All cards on the table is the only way I know to do business with a clear conscious. The value of making lifetime friends far outweighs the quick buck.” I gave Doron the go-ahead to proceed with artwork and I am eagerly awaiting my branded gazebo from Brightsparx.
Every day you learn something new or you may be reminded of important truths.
Doron reminded me:
• That it is important to know the value of things, rather than the price
• Certain things can’t be valued in monetary terms
• That people buy from people and not from businesses
• That ethics and honesty will buy you more loyalty than any other incentive.
As mentioned earlier, I have done business with Doron for over a decade and in that time we have developed a friendship and I got to know the man behind the enviable beard, the resonator guitar and the Café Racer motorbike.
Doron’s ethics and moral character is entrenched not only in his business dealings but can also be seen in his social engagements. Doron is an avid musician and finds great joy playing live music shows for folks in old aged homes and disabled folks in the Cheshire Homes. It is not only in his business life but also in his private avocations that he pays it forward.
In just about every area of society, there’s nothing more important than ethics. – Henry Paulson
This article may have taken a somewhat different approach, but it is my conviction that this testimony of ethics and integrity, will by far exceed the impact on the minds and hearts of readers than any other academic or jargon-charged article would have.
Doron Blackman, I salute you!
(Doron the owner of Brightsparx agreed that I may use his name)
