I have always believed that a business that is run according to high ethical and moral standards can not only succeed, but can outperform a business that plays lose with right and wrong.
Some people surely see my view as naïve. After all, think of Enron and Bernie Madoff – isn’t that what business is all about: lying and cheating?
No. It is only world of unethical business. And is doesn’t endure. Enron is gone and Madoff is in jail. And dozens of companies in their industries continue to employ thousands of people who make useful products to serve the needs of society.
Last December, the Regnum Christi website told the story of Peter Freissle and his company, Polydeck. Peter’s journey from success-driven businessman to successful Christian business now is told in a new book, The Business Card, by Dr. Steve O. Steff, published by Lanphier Press.
Last Friday I was blessed to be stuck on a weather-delayed airplane for longer than expected and read the entire book (just 170 pages; I’m not a speed reader). Frankly, I couldn’t put it down because it affirmed everything I have believed since first entering the business world nearly 40 years ago.
In his business, and as told in the book, Peter has faced the big decisions nearly everyone who runs a business faces: falling revenues, pressure to reduce employment, unreasonable customers, mistakes that could cost dearly, recession, situations that truly test the mantra “our employees are our greatest asset.”
There was a time, before what I would call his “business conversion” that Peter might have faced those challenges from a purely short-term economic perspective. Post conversion, he has faced them with unwavering Christian values. And business didn’t just survive, it thrived.
In the end, the good guys win.
