We Have Liftoff!

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new, content-rich website at speakingofethics.com. In response to hundreds of inquiries over the last year from colleagues and friends throughout the country, I'm equally excited to debut my Ethically Speaking monthly e-newsletter.

Whether appearing on college campuses or at corporate events, I meet a variety of fascinating people during my travels, many of whom have encountered their own ethical dilemmas. Each month, I will reflect upon what I've learned and share my experiences. I will also provide insights into the latest developments and trends in ethics education and how to manage ethical challenges in your businesses or personal lives.

What Goes Around...

Lately, a portion of my presentations have focused on the current financial meltdown we are experiencing. With banks and other high profile companies failing at alarming speed and consequence, there has been no shortage of questionable ethical behavior among corporate executives. How did you feel hearing that auto executives travelled to bailout hearings in private jets? Until recently, how many of you have heard of Bernie Madoff?

It seems everyday the sky is falling and the bad news continues to pour in. But to put this in perspective, this is the third recession I've experienced. Remember 10 years ago we had the "dot com" or "dot bomb" fiasco? Ten years before that, questionable home loans to unqualified buyers triggered the failure of several Texas S&Ls. Sound familiar?

My point is simple. Life is full of cycles. One day your hot, the next you're not. Over the last century, our country has navigated through many painful economic cycles, only to rebound and prosper greatly as the cycle turned. We're a strong nation and will get through our current difficulties, just as we've done in the past.

In my own life, I've experienced some pretty major swings as well. I learned long ago the best way to endure is to not let your highs get too high or your lows too low. Sound advice I learned from a mentor years ago, which is more relevant now than ever.

The Kids are Watching

For those that don't think their kids are watching their every move, I share this story:

I was in Florida on speaking assignment when a young mother approached me after my talk. She was laughing about her 4-year old son and how perceptive he was. The day before, she and her son were on their way to pick up her 7-year old daughter at dance class. They were running late but Mom wanted to pick up a few items at the grocery store before picking up her daughter.

Mom rushed through the store with the 4-year old in tow, worried that her daughter would be out on the street waiting for them. At the check out line, Mom loaded the conveyer belt while her son began counting the items.

He counted to 16, read the sign that said 15 items or less, looked inquisitively at his Mom then asked if it was ok to be in that line.

Laughingly, she said thoughts raced through her head about how to justify being in that line (just this one time) and how to explain it to a 4-year old. She realized the kind of message that would send and how little life lessons add up to big ones later. She picked up the items and moved to the next line.

Our kids are like sponges and always try to emulate our actions. Be a positive role model and as much as you can, think like a 4-year old.

Power to the People

Lastly, I just wanted to extend a sincere thank you to everyone in my "Speaking of Ethics" community for your support in 2008. Now numbering over 4,000 people, it's the power of your networking and referrals that allow me to share my message of maintaining the highest ethical standards with more and more audiences. If you see me on the trail, stop and say hello!

Until next time,

All the best,

Patrick

For information or to schedule
a live appearance, please contact
me at (619) 981-1911 or
patrick@speakingofethics.com

January Live Appearances:

Jan. 12 - Keynote Presenter
Episcopal Academy
Philadelphia, PA

Jan. 13 - Keynote Presenter
TruMark Financial Credit Union
Philadelphia, PA

Jan. 15 - Presenter
University of Washington MBA Program
Seattle, WA

Jan. 20 - Presenter
AICPA: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Personal Financial Planning Conference - San Diego, CA

Jan. 23 - Keynote Presenter
First Command Financial Services, Inc.
Ft. Worth, TX

Jan. 27 - Presenter
Stanford University
Palo Alto, CA

New Audio CD Available February 1, Book to Follow

After nearly every presentation, I'm asked if I have online or printed resources available. Check back at speakingofethics.com on February 1 and order my new Audio CD online. Also, I anticipate my new book on business ethics will be available by July 1. More updates in upcoming issues of this newsletter.
 


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