Frankly – I learned way more from you than you ever learned from me. But you asked, so here it is. I hope this list helps you build a solid ethical foundation for creating and nurturing great teams, just like we had when we were together.

Tell your own story. Don’t rely on others to do it for you; they might twist it and dodge responsibility.

Own your values. Stepping back to reflect on what really matters to you can open up new career and life opportunities that align with who you are.

Make success about your team’s values, not just the money. Balance what’s good for the team with the company’s financial health, and encourage others to do the same.

Own up to your mistakes. I’ve always believed in being vulnerable and accountable. When things go wrong, set aside your ego, be honest, apologize if necessary, and share a plan to make things right.

Build social responsibility and emotional intelligence into your strategy. Otherwise, it all turns into a profit chase instead of being a good corporate citizen.

Take care of yourself. A happy leader spreads that positivity to their team. I wish I had done better with this.

You do not “give” people a job.  As Barbara Ehrenreich said, “ In reality, the giving goes in the opposite direction.  Teams give their blood, sweat and tears – sometimes their lives – and in return companies pay them as little as they can get away with.”  Which leads us to the next point ….

Focus on people, not just profits. A 30% net profit sounds great, but so does 24% NP and stellar benefits, perks, and bonuses for your team. Those who are working their asses off to line your pockets have pockets too.

Communicate openly. Be transparent in all your business dealings. Don’t mislead people for your own gain. Keep your team in the loop, and it’ll reflect the right values.

Authenticity and integrity build trust. It’s as simple as that.

If you treat your colleagues as simple business commodities, your reputation will reflect it.  The idea of “it’s only business” is an exhausted cliché that has been forgiving bad and often heartless behavior for centuries. It is often used as a form of self-mollification.  The phrase is most often said after someone acts in a manner that creates an advantage for themself by disadvantaging someone else. If the act has particularly devastating results for the disadvantaged, the actor can justify his actions by characterizing it as “business”. Because, if his actions were “personal”, that would make him mean-spirited.   It is simply using greed as a rationalization for ruthlessness.  Karma is a real thing.  Sooner or later the piper gets paid.

Empathy is your best tool. Use it frequently; it’ll never steer you wrong.

Understand the impact of your decisions. You do not live in a vacuum. Everything you do has consequences. Take ownership of your actions.

Be transparent during changes. If you don’t, your team might see change as a threat. Good leadership can help them accept it.

A BBQ and a few catered meals aren’t enough for a strong culture. It’s all about camaraderie, collaboration, and shared experiences, not just the money spent.

Lastly – work at an organization that shows you how valuable you are to them. You deserve it.

Until we meet again,

Shael