I once had the great opportunity of getting to know John Reed a bit (really successful banker/businessman who businesspeople know as the guy who built Citibank, and everyone else would know as the guy who put ATM's on every corner!).

I was in a business session with him when a friend asked him this question: "ok, I know you keep saying how important ethics are in business, so how come my experience is that the managers who are real scumbags seem to do so well..."

John Thought.

John didn't say much for a few minutes.

Then said something I've always remembered.

"I think your observation might have merit. There are some people who seem to have absolutely no moral compass and they do seem to do quite well in this life. But most all successful people I know are incredibly honest and full of integrity. As I sit here and think, I can't think of anyone who has an extraordinary amount of success that is just a 'little corrupt' though. So, in thinking, you just need to choose. Do you want to pursue a course of success with integrity as your moral compass, or corruption. Choose. but once you do. Never waver.". "And, oh yeah, eventually the corrupt road collapses - its not only the less honorable road, but its the more temporary one".

Or at least thats the quote concept I remember - in fairness to John.

You will be faced with many many moral decisions in your work-life. The smallest compromise in your integrity that may even seem meaningless at the time will quickly lead to bigger ones. Avoid these landmines. Always remember to be honest in the workplace. Always keep your integrity. Even if it looks the harder road at certain times. In the long run it will always pay off. Both in the way you think of yourself, and in the way others will reward you professionally and personally!

#fred #careers