TRIPLE III TIME: Business Ethics…What’s YOUR Responsibility
Sometimes in our personal and professional worlds… the time and place to address a sometimes ignored… sometimes avoided critical topic just seems to appropriately “show-up”. Well given my public and private business dealings and my career-long mission to help people, selecting this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message: Business Ethics…What’s YOUR Responsibility just seems righteous.
In his book “Second To None-The Productive Power of Putting People First”, Charles Garfield explains well the concept of ethics.
“Ethics-a company’s moral code-is one of those “soft” concepts that are generally relegated to Corporate Affairs of the company legal department. More often than not, it is viewed as peripheral to the company, as an issue that will be dealt with only when a flagrant abuse of ethics arises (or, sadly, often only when such an abuse becomes public knowledge). But ethics, far from being peripheral to the company, is its very foundation. Ethics is the set of written and unwritten moral principles which a company operates at a core level. A company’s ethics determines how it treats employees, customers, and suppliers; how it develops products and processes; and how it participates in the larger community. More generally, “ethical behavior” means doing what is right, what brings the greatest benefit or the least harm to all of those involved.”
So now think, as a company… organization… community and professional… does ethics rise up as a regular priority and concern? Or is it non-existent and even discouraged?
I believe daily example-setting is the principle means of committing to the importance of ethical practices and policies in your areas of influence. If you wait for it to be discussed… trained on… or highlighted in this month’s agency newsletter… stop waiting and think about what YOU can do! Think about your personal/company values… what do you stand for… what is your organizational character… what everyone you are connected to believes in and ultimately what makes your business/agency successful.
It is important to realize that all of us face and make ethical choices everyday. Ignoring or minimalizing the impact of ethical behavior/operation… kind of says to those who are friends, co-workers or business partners… that if it’s not affecting me then it’s OK?
We are at a moment in time that Business Ethics…What’s YOUR Responsibility… is a question we all need to answer.
TRIPLE III TIME: Building YOUR PORTFOLIO!
As I have continued to work with some really fun personalities over the past few years…one thing we talked about is building a personal/professional PORTFOLIO! No, this is not an idea to replace your resume as you look at and consider your fit in different jobs. Rather Building YOUR PORTFOLIO should be a collection of work and hobby examples that reflect the extent of your life skill-set. And as you can guess I stressed that it should be ever changing, growing, historical yet up-to-date to accurately display how your career, business, hobby, achievements and interests have evolved.
What does GOOGLE say about PORTFOLIOS:
“Essentially, it’s a comprehensive showcase demonstrating capabilities, achievements, and holdings, adaptable for creative fields (art, writing, design), finance, or career development.”
Reflectively when pressed to discuss what I would put into my PORTFOLIO… I was quick to recall the binder of innovations I had dreamed-up in my Director days that my good friend and co-worker D.S. had put together for me. And like so many others considering PORTFOLIO building, I had to admit: “I’m not sure where I put all that cool stuff!” So remember this statement from Clark University:
“Save everything you create and decide later what you want to include in your portfolio. Some items may be more relevant to the work you’ll do in one position than another, so it helps to have a variety of samples. You can present your materials in your own creative style.”
Bottomline: Remember always that primarily the PORTFOLIO you build is for YOU! Next, try to include your entire history of creations, professional awards, formal and informal education achievements and job experiences. I believe you will find that your always semi-completed PORTFOLIO document will be a valuable asset as you continue forward.
Finally… TAKE YOUR TIME! You didn’t build your PORTFOLIO entries in a day… so it doesn’t have to be completed in a day.
TRIPLE III TIME: More Than Just-A-Job
This week classes have started at Alpena Community College and as always during my first American Government & Politics class everyone must introduce themselves…including me! Well as I described my workforce/job training career time…a very wise young lady asked a great, thoughtful question. It went like this:
“Sir, I currently work at a regular fast-food job and if I wanted to make it feel like More Than Just-A-Job…what would you tell me?”
Well first I gave her a very strong “that’s a wonderful question young lady” statement…and then offered a brief list which I shortened into a very basic TOP 10 of More Than Just-A-Job priorities:
- Do you do the minimum in the job you have?
- Do you arrive for work early and stay a little later…or watch the clock?
- Do you communicate well with everyone?
- Do you try to be a good promoting person for your company/group?
- Do you do your own research to know the maximum about the company you work for?
- Do you ask for direction regarding any new training that would make you a better employee?
- Do you expand your area of work to learn more…or wait to be told?
- Do you help new employees because “it’s the right thing to do”?
- Do you appear on a leader-list as someone to ask for help and new ideas?
- Do you represent someone who would naturally be growing toward a promotion or a raise in pay?
As you can assume…my responses started a fun series of additional questions and discussion. However, I needed to steer back to introduction time in the classroom!
Bottomline: This More Than Just-A-Job TOP 10 in many ways is a timeless list of important employment priorities. The class will get more “words-of-wisdom” about jobs during the semester. Can you add to the list??
LEARNING MOMENTS Podcast: Creating A MAKERSPACE
Often people in charge talk strongly about encouraging people to think more creatively and cause new idea generation. However, most employing units don’t take example-setting steps to “show” this commitment and move toward Creating A MAKERSPACE!
This month’s Inspiring Innovations LEARNING MOMENTS podcast is all about the purpose and potential value of Creating A MAKERSPACE within your home and workplace. The podcast discussion tries to explain the what/where/why/when and how questions in relation to MAKERSPACE development. But the bottom line is that Creating A MAKERSPACE can be a steady solid return-on-investment action.
Enjoy the listen.
TRIPLE III TIME: “Don’t Wait For Normal”
As I have commented in the past…I never know when and/or how inspiration for a special TRIPLE III TIME message may come. Recently I was fortunate to be part of an event that featured Tim Furlong (My Quarter Turns) as a special speaker regarding “Change, Opportunity & The Next Normal”. And as you can see from this week’s III message title: “Don’t Wait For Normal”…I was driven to address historic areas of normalcy directly impacted by Mr. Furlong’s presentation.
First think about change today. Change no longer is something that evolves over time or pops up from some intense discussions. No today CHANGE is a constant and must be blended into everyone’s daily way-of-life. I know all of you reading this are saying simply…”Yeah I know change stuff”. But just to make sure our “Don’t Wait For Normal” discussion topic is critically understood…let’s consider five (5) specific CHANGE areas.
Communication: With all of the advances that have occurred in the area of Communication…there will no longer be much “normal” in this change category! Speed, options and functionality will be at least daily factors when considering this “Don’t Wait For Normal” issue.
Employment: There is not a job in our world today that has and/or will be impacted by the usage of technology. Every sector…agriculture, manufacturing, retail, banking, safety…you name it, have all been revised in some way by creative techno-innovations. Also think about all of the “new” jobs that have recently or are still in the process of being created. “Don’t Wait For Normal” is good advice when considering the job market today.
Global Economy: Local, regional, state-wide, national and international locations are now the new age marketplace. Given all of the social media platforms…entrepreneurs in a wide range of product and service sectors have the opportunity to successfully take advantage of today’s “Don’t Wait For Normal” challenge! The globe is now everyone’s virtual storefront.
Education: Good or not so good…in-person, class-based education options are no longer the new norm. High school and post-secondary education opportunities are now available for access in your own living rooms and at any time day or night. New learning designs are being structured and offered at different training speeds and formats everyday. Change in this area really enhances the “Don’t Wait For Normal” growth strategy. In other words…the longer you delay development activity in the Education area…the further you fall behind.
Government: Waiting for normal in the Government sector…is an unrealistic advancement position. Today, both domestic and foreign groups are all “jockeying” for a better lead world-wide position thereby pushing the “Don’t Wait For Normal” reality option. Progressive collaboration, consistency and compromise are no longer the key considerations in facilitating Government operations.
One more time I want to thank Mr. Furlong for sparking the “Don’t Wait For Normal” TRIPLE III TIME message principle. I hope this message also sparks some positive personal and professional development considerations for everyone.
TRIPLE III TIME: “FINISH THE PROMISE!”
Let me start this first 2026 TRIPLE III TIME message with a historic proclamation: “I am not big on New Year Resolutions!” And I am sure I am not alone on this personal position…but at the same time I know there are many who at least make an honest attempt to save money…lose weight…communicate better…you know the list. So maybe it is professional time to toss out a Resolution idea that might help everyone. Let’s think about a special TRIPLE III TIME commitment to: “FINISH THE PROMISE!”
First, I want everyone to think about this Resolution mostly as a quality-building customer service. More often today I have witnessed and felt very frustrated when a company/organization did not “FINISH THE PROMISE!” for a service/product that was agreed upon. Think about times when a return call was not received, a repair not made, service order not completed, visit not arranged, and/or payment not sent on time. Do any of these actions impact quality customer service?
Quality customer service does not come naturally. Customers should NOT have to call and remind you of the product/service responsibilities you/they have agreed to and maybe have even been paid for. Quality customer service is as important as an accurate invoice or having the right signature on a contract. Quality customer service should also not drive individuals to wonder if a product/service will be delivered on time. Rather in both cases if a company/organization/individual prioritizes a “FINISH THE PROMISE!” performance practice everyday…every time…pure quality will follow.
Bottomline: Let’s all make a “FINISH THE PROMISE!” 2026 Customer Service Resolution. Make it an “across-the-board” personal and professional commitment…and I promise the benefits will follow.
TRIPLE III TIME: PRE-2026 Taking Stock of Your Priorities
Well… yesterday was Christmas. I hope every part of it worked out GREAT for everyone. A lot of clean-up in homes is probably an important first consideration but while you pick up all of the present wrappings… how about a few professional WHAT NEXT thoughts? Yes, I realize that 2026 is still a few days away…and there will be ample time for future thoughts then. But in this unique “in-between” time my TRIPLE III TIME mindset is pushing me to encourage everyone to take a “soft”: PRE-2026 Taking Stock of Your Priorities consideration moment.
And just for traditions sake…here’s a TOP 10 list of questions to help in your PRE-2026 Taking Stock of Your Priorities “study”.
1. What single VERY IMPORTANT accomplishment did you NOT achieve in 2025?
2. Who in your family or friend or colleague lists did you NOT connect with?
3. What question do you wish you had asked your supervisor at work?
4. Is there a home improvement project that is still on the “to-do” list?
5. Have you decided what form of professional development would work best for you in 2026?
6. Is there still a fun trip that was planned…that is still planned?
7. What action in 2025 made you feel successful…and can it happen again?
8. Did you remember that a good idea can only be good if you share it?
9. Did you grow into new personal/professional partnerships?
10. Did you improve as a leader, communicator, and/or innovator?
Have fun with your PRE-2026 Taking Stock of Your Priorities consideration moments. Give yourself “righteous” credit where it is appropriate and make WHAT NEXT 2026 priorities that challenge you.
TRIPLE III TIME: Personnel “Asset Allocation”
Most times when people discuss and/or review their asset allocations…their focus is on cash, savings accounts, stocks, bonds and other money driven options. But when you are working on strategies to grow or diversity your business or organization… it is most necessary to take a strong look at your Personnel “Asset Allocation”.
Employees are always considered one of an entity’s GREATEST assets. It just makes sense… right?? Good, confident, dedicated workers can make the difference between stable productivity and potential excellent return-on-investment. This potential is true both in the public and private employment sectors. Determining if certain people are in the “right job” or would a position redesign/job change be a better employee action…is all part of correctly allocating your personnel assets.
Today, I am not sure if business or organization leaders take enough time to review and consider creative options in obtaining the best Personnel “Asset Allocation” situation!
Personnel assets impact costs related to salaries, insurance, space, equipment, travel and professional development. These operational costs are often the greatest factors in a company’s day-to-day function and performance/profit. So it is logically critical to not ignore taking the most appropriate time necessary to ensure all personnel are progressively striving and achieving high level productivity in the workplace.
Bottomline: Don’t view the Personnel “Asset Allocation” responsibility with a: (1) we have always done it this way, or (2) it would be real confusing to try something different, or (3) what if it makes things worse… so let’s ignore it and maybe it will improve on its own… plan-of-action strategy!! Instead strategize collaboratively with other co-workers periodically and review personnel matters in a comprehensive and individual manner so all of the best opportunities come your way.
LEARNING MOMENTS Podcast: Working With People
It is with a feeling of qualified satisfaction that I share this final podcast for the year 2025. Working With People is a simple sounding topic… but as we all know, in real life, it contains a large list of leadership challenges. Are some challenges fun to take on… Yes! But do we mostly deal with the more complex personal side… also Yes!
Well my Working With People podcast tries to offer five simple but specific “words of advice” in this topic area. Will they help… yes… but the five are just a beginning.
Enjoy the listen and the holiday season.
TRIPLE III TIME: Polarization In The Workplace (What Could/Should I Do Different)
One of the most unfortunate consultant requests I have had recently… was to do a workshop on avoiding Polarization In The Workplace! And when I asked for a few points of discussion that may help me prepare a talk on this very important issue, the “requesters” recommended a focus on:
- Deflating the “Us vs Them” situations
- Getting past “opposing extreme” scenarios and
- Suggesting finding a “middle ground” issue resolution between individuals
Today more than ever before, I believe Polarization In The Workplace (and in our world as a whole) has hit an all time high! Politically, socially and ethically it seems more people tend to take a side on issues much more often than to work toward a compromise point of view. In fact there was once a time when the person who developed and offered a middle ground/compromise solution was viewed as a good solid leader. Today that person would be looked upon as someone who can’t make up their mind and thereby is “wishy-washy” on important issues.
Well as I considered the most important points I would cover in a Polarization In The Workplace learning session, I decided to share a few TRIPLE III TIME options:
- Remind everyone that there will always be more than 1-2 or 3 views on any issue.
- Remind everyone that the customers you serve will also have different views on your service or product… both good and not so good.
- Remind everyone that the best opportunities often come from all sides giving a little… so everyone can get a lot.
- Remind everyone that no matter your job/life role… that life-long learning, continuous improvement and compromise will remain everyone’s job.
- Remind everyone that “taking-sides” on any issue labels you as close-minded and unable to be appropriately open to creativity and innovation!
Finally, when you are faced with Polarization In The Workplace challenges… always begin your corrective action with a directive to everyone to look in the mirror and ask themselves: “What could/should I do differently?” Then as a follow up to your directive… let them know you are ready to write down their ideas!!
Inspiring Innovations, Inc. 