WHAT LEADERS DO TRUMPS WHAT THEY SAY
Fed-Ex, a company often held as an example of excellence, is facing federal charges in a drug trafficking case for (allegedly) continuing to handle shipments of illegal drug distributors after the company was was aware of the problem. This follows a not dissimilar case against UPS last year.
Pilot Flying J, a large chain of truck stops owned by the same family that owns the Cleveland Browns, was raided by the FBI in 2013 and continues to fight fraud charges. Settlements with the government and customers already exceed $100MM, and several high-ranking employees including the former President have left the company.
General Motors, Hewlett Packard and Walmart are just a few of the other global companies currently known as much for scandal as for products or services. The "pink slime" headlines caught the attention of many beefeaters at the expense of processors, grocery stores, and restaurants. Many small businesses are equally fraught with integrity lapses. The vast worldwide list of current legal actions for unethical behavior boggles the mind. Assuredly more will be publicized soon.
Whether it is compensation systems that reward untoward behavior, profit pressures that lead to unacceptable substitutions, or simple gamesmanship that utilizes the measuring stick of personal gain, people in responsible positions can make stupid decisions. No better than the foolhardy teenager, they believe they will not get caught. Or that everyone does it. Or that winning the game for a while is better than not playing it at all.
That shiny wall plaque describing vision, mission, core values means nothing. Behavior means everything.
FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED
Recently a plant on the entrance road of an industrial park housing many companies – two of them clients of mine – caught on fire and then exploded. A full evacuation of the surrounding area was ordered.
Be prepared should that happen to you.
|
