John Maxwell was asked a few years ago if he’d care to write a book about business ethics. He responded, “There’s no such thing as business ethics. There’s only ethics.” The “ethical chaos” seen recently in the high-profile corporate scandals develop because people make unethical choices.  Maxwell observes: “One of our problems is that ethics is never a business issue or a social issue or a political issue. It is always a personal issue.”  The fact that ethics is always personal, Maxwell contends, suggests a single, simple way that each of us “can move from ‘mostly ethical’ to ‘always ethical’ … based on the Golden Rule.” That way is “asking the question ‘How would I like to be treated in this situation?’”

I received an email Oct 17th from a business friend in the UK.  In this email, he told me about his situation.  Since then, he has posted his story on his personal web site:  http://www.jerryandmandy.com/.  It once again reminded me that often big businesses are so concerned with growth or preservation that humanitarian decision making becomes something of the past.  Let’s never forget the Golden Rule.

I have read a lot of books and attended a lot of conferences and I know good advice when I hear it.  Today, I heard some good advice.  It came from a new friend, Glen, while we were talking about the struggle he is having with his daughter.  We talked about how often the best thing I guy can say in a conversation is NOTHING!  Often, it can be difficult to stay quiet and listen when all we want to do is offer solutions or fix the problem.  It can even be more difficult if we feel attacked during that conversation.  But, women often just want to be heard as was the case with his daughter.  I asked him how he does it.  His response was priceless…He said, I just say to myself, “Lord, wrap your arms around me and put your hand over my mouth.”  Now, that’s some good advice.

For me, it is the magic moments that happen unexpectedly that I cherish most.  Yes, of course I appreciate the pleasures of financial rewards.  I enjoy the finer things as much as anyone.  However, nothing compares to a little magic moment.   

This afternoon I was in my office when my oldest son Chase comes into the room from his nap.  His brother was still sleeping and the house was quiet.  We sat down on the floor and he started spelling words in a handheld label machine.  "CAT" ... "DOG" ... "PIG" ... he typed in.  Then, he said, "Let me type our names."  He first typed his name, "Chase."  Next, he typed his brother’s name, "Casey."  Then, he said, "Let me type your name."  With that he typed, "DADDY."  He looked up at me with his big green eyes, a big smile came over his face and he said, "Daddy!"  Instantly, I felt so much love.  It was hard to explain and maybe it doesn't mean anything to anybody...but, to me, it was one of those so very precious magic moments.