Ethics of an Entrepreneur

This week has definitely been an engaging week. As each week goes by I realize that I am learning really valuable concepts. I feel quite honored to be able to partake in the lessons I am. Each lesson provides me with substantial knowledge that I can use in almost all faucets of life.

A great example of something I found valuable this week was a talk from Elder Lynn G. Robbins. In his talk he addresses motives in the work place. He does this by providing a letter grade for different types of people running businesses. This really made me look at the type of person I want to be, as well as make want to become an honest and valuable businessman. Here is description of an A level business owner:

"At the A-level, The Lord established the correct order with priorities as we read in Jacob 2:18-19,, “Before you seek for riches, seek the kingdom of God.  And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good . . .”  At this level the primary motivation is a love of God and our fellowmen.  Of necessity, there is a secondary motivation to earn a living. 

If a love of God and fellowmen is the primary motivation, then the working man or woman will be a kingdom builder and a full-tithe payer. They will have a “zeal towards their fellow men . . . and will be perfectly honest and upright in all things” (Alma27:27).  As a laborer they will be “worthy of their hire” (Luke 10:7).  As an employer they will give a “just recompense of wages,” (D&C 124:121).  They will be a beloved employer and endeavor to help, not only their customers, but also their employees and community. They will have a baker’s dozen mentality with superior customer service. Sometimes this person will even render service at no charge to help someone in need, such as those doctors who travel to Third-world countries to help the disadvantaged.  Their products and services are of the highest quality. 

Those at the A-level aren’t working for mankind, but living for mankind, trying to lift and help others.  In addition to making a living, they are making a life.  They have a different vision than those at lower levels.  Because of their love for their fellowmen, they define their business in terms of customers’ needs, such as a builder of homes rather than merely a brick mason.   At levels B through D, business is usually defined in terms of products and services rather than customers’ needs." 

I realized after reading this the importance of honesty with our fellowmen. This is truly the kind of person we all need to strive and be. This lesson really had me evaluate myself, and my motives. I believe that is a healthy thing to do. It is good to find things we could improve on. That is what allows us to truly grow and become who we are meant to become.