How to regain respect:

As we drift towards Labor Day, I plead, yes, plead that business leaders out there will apply Emmanuel Kant’s categorical imperative:

Here it is:  What would happen if every one behaved the way you do?

If you think that the outcome would be negative, then obviously you should not behave that way.  For example, what would happen if every one lied?  That’s right.  You couldn’t trust anyone.  So, don’t lie.  Ever.

Now consider the out-of-control executive reward systems.  What if everyone paid themselves a crazy bonus?  What if everyone got a bonus, irrespective of actual performance?  What if everyone had a one-sided contract and enforced it even though there’s no money coming in?

My guess is that we would have the mess we’re in right now.

So please apply this moral test, especially when it goes against your narrow self-interest, and you will help all of us.  On top of that, you will regain our respect.

I’m James McIntosh at nonsenseatwork dot com

Listen to the radio version of ‘How to regain respect’  (10 most recent radio files)

© 2009 James Henry McIntosh