I like to think of myself as a genuine person. My core value is honesty and integrity.
Yet, I have some business relationships where I tolerate and choose to co-exist with people or companies I don't think share my values. And yet, I still maintain relationships with some of them – and I am not sure why. On the one hand, it feels disingenuous to continue to do this. But, on the other hand – maybe this is just life, and you can't put your values on everybody else.
I don't know how to think about all of this. I would love your thoughts.
One of the industries that I am in is filled with unscrupulous characters and we spend time almost daily battling upstream to complete transactions. We stick to our guns though and we do things one way, our way and what we feel is the right way. Sure we lose out on some deals because their approach seems almost to good to be true...... Transparency and honesty never get old and sadly those words are thrown around so much that now we can even use them as an identifier of who NOT to do business with. Remember, the loudest one in the room is typically the weakest and the guy that tells you he is the most honest...... well, Im sure…
Ami - I agree it is often difficult to choose between harm to the business (and your livelihood) vs. dealing with others who don't mind crossing the lines. It is much more nuanced because you may be true to your ideals and values in dealing with your employees and vendors but by working with these clients you are enabling them to act in a way you don't condone. It reminds me of a Hallmark card I saw with balloons on the cover and inside it said "we are just trying to avoid pricks". I sometimes feel like that is my mission!
Great topic, Ami - thank you! We are in the same boat professionally. I regard this as part of "the great game of business" - we can DEAL with people who do not display honest and integrity without COMPROMISING our own principles. And - those folks generally do not "win deals" with the same regularity as those that do live the principles. On a personal level, we also manage a Condo Association HOA - those of you that have "lived through" that experience will know that the above statement is doubly true! Keep true to yourself, assemble great teams that exhibit the principles of fair dealing, and always do the right thing.