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The nationwide bestseller--fully updated for today’s tough times and worldwide financial crises
“Everyone does it.” Everyone cheats. Cuts corners. Tells lies. Maybe it was different once. Not today. If you want to succeed in this economic climate, you simply have to make compromises. Right?
Wrong. You can succeed at the highest levels, without sacrificing the principles that make life worth living. The proof? You’re holding it.
Jon M. Huntsman built a $12 billion company from scratch, the old-fashioned way: with integrity. There were short-term costs and difficult decisions. There were tough times. Times just like today. But ultimately, leading with integrity wasn’t just personally right for Huntsman, it also proved to be the best business strategy.
In Winners Never Cheat, Huntsman tells you how he did it, and how you can, too. This book is about remembering why you work, and why you were chosen to lead. It’s about finding the bravery to act on what you know is right, no matter what you’re up against.
It’s about winning. The right way.
Think about the kind of person you want to do business with. Then, be that person--and use this book to get you there.
Author royalties from this book go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation
“The way Jon conducts his business and lives his life will not only inspire you to be a better person, citizen, and entrepreneur, it also will give you hope that the good guys don't finish last.”
Glenn Beck
"Jon Huntsman is a different breed. He believes business is a creative endeavor, similar to a theater production, wherein integrity must be the central character."
Larry King, CNN
"Jon Huntsman's own life and personal values lend credence to his words. He walks his ethical talk."
Neil Cavuto, Fox News
"This book could put me out of business. Nobody would be happier about it than me."
Wayne Reaud, Trial Attorney.
IntroductionIntroductionGood Times, Bad Times
Circumstances may change but your values shouldn't
When I wrote the original edition of this book in the fall of 2004, I had experienced four decades in the business world. My life had been enriched in every aspect. Like others before me, I discovered that ''happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." I had witnessed it all: the greed, the cheating, the lying, and the selfishness. And the triumphs, the miracles, the rages-to-riches, and the flim-flam folks.
Or so I thought. It turned out I was wrong. There have been sequels galore on the downside (and a few on the up). As I write these lines in the fall of 2008, ethical corner-cutting has risen faster than the price of a gallon of gas. Even those tough, cold winters in rural Idaho were easier to swallow than some of today's Wall Street trickery. Traditional values appear to be as in vogue as a subprime loan.
The good times of 2004 to 2007—record markets, sizzling real estate, easy credit, relatively acceptable energy costs—conspired to make us morally flabby. It is easy to take the high road when the route is leading to better times. Generosity isn't difficult when money flows.
Historically, positive economic scenarios are followed by painful downturns. The result presents new temptations to bend rules, to hoard material possessions, and to dismiss decency as being so last year. Born of anger, fear, stress, and frustration, the temptation to cut a corner is strong and persuasive. For the honest of heart—life's real winners—times like this are just another passing test.
When reaping an abundant harvest, most of us keep our senses—the common variety and in relation to fair play. Yet, it is quite apparent, given the amount of irresponsibility, cheating, fraudulent behavior, and pure greed that has recently been exposed, that not everyone was playing by the rules. Indeed, the breadth and depth of abhorrent behavior from this minority were startling. From subprime loan scams to speculation on the oil markets to crises in the insurance and financial sectors to falsifying the financial conditions of companies, ethical abuses, and the scope of government bailouts have been jaw-dropping.
Unfortunately, doing it the "right way" seldom cushions economic blows. Such letdowns can leave one confused and angry, but it is no time to panic, to lose track of our moral compass. On my mother's tombstone in Fillmore, Utah, are etched Shakespeare's immortal words: "Sweet are the uses of adversity." Surefire winners understand this adage. Crises must and can be resolved in moral ways. In so doing, keep in mind two things:
The subprime mortgage and energy price debacles were conceived in a bed of raw greed, from a dream of getting something for nothing. They were born with illusions of easy, riskless, endless money. The erosion of moral values is the natural progression of this mindset. Such obsessions require the redrawing of ethical boundaries. This sort of greed destroys the financial and emotional underpinnings of others. For some, the idea of finding a morally acceptable alternative is placed on "call waiting" until the nefarious goal is reached.
When ethical boundaries are redrawn or removed, the addiction to wealth becomes all- consuming. When expediency trumps propriety, it results in an escalating toboggan ride down a mountainside, a descent impossible to stop until the sled crashes from excessive speed and lack of direction. The late '90s dot-com burst was evidence enough. Perhaps the hedge funds of today will be the next exhibit.
This scenario results from a flawed rationale. The "objective" or "goal" is an illusion because it is based on an ethically bankrupt premise from which nothing positive can be achieved. The goal can never be reached. There will never be "enough" money; there will never be "enough" power. Thus, the "success" some envision will never be attained. A crash nearly always follows a dizzying display of "success" that is not solidly based in economic and ethical fundamentals. You can be sure the Piper will demand payment.
If everything were fair in life, perpetrators of economic meltdowns would be the only ones who suffered for their impropriety. But life isn't fair, and the fallout too often envelops good people who played by the rules, who trusted institutions, who are left to survive the rocky times brought on by others. The innocent are made to suffer for the sins of the reckless, the greedy, the cheats, the fast-buckers, the indecent, and the liars. With tough times comes another kind of temptation: the perceived necessity to cut corners, to cling to what you have, to rationalize that traditional values can be jettisoned if the ship is sinking. During this period, one can easily fall into the trap described by William Wrigley, Jr.: "A man's doubts and fears are his worst enemy."
The confusion, frustration, stress, and fears that come with financial dilemmas can make even the most ethical of individuals vulnerable to bad choices. Nevertheless, reminding ourselves of the moral path and disciplining ourselves to follow it can sustain us in such trying moments. If there is a silver lining to bad times, it is this: When facing severe challenges, your mind normally is at its sharpest. Humans seldom have created anything of lasting value unless they were tired or hurting.
A discussion involving ethics can be easily misunderstood by some minds. In reality, it is quite simple. The adherence to an ethical code is best defined as how one honors a bad situation or a bad deal. Heaven knows it is easy enough to honor a good deal, or to take advantage of an event or circumstance that is rewarding and beneficial to all sides.
My company, Huntsman Corp., has completed a court trial in Delaware, as I write this. The entire case centered around the other party trying to break a contract with us. Economic conditions changed somewhat between entering the contract a year ago and when it was to be executed, and the other company's prospects of going forward are far bleaker than when they signed the deal.
One of the lawyers for the company that signed the "iron-clad" contract with us but tried to back out made an interesting statement to the judge. "This is a very tight contract," she told the judge. "Therefore, we must look for any loopholes possible to try and extricate my client from honoring the contract." The judge didn't buy it and required the company to keep its word.
Unfortunately, this sort of behavior happens on too many occasions. With crafty lawyers, it sometimes works. Most of the time, however, iron-clad contracts simply are what they were intended to be from the start: maintaining a binding agreement between two parties. And how one honors situations when things turn sour or when a deal ends up being more costly than originally thought is how one defines his or her personal values.
In survey after survey, Americans of all stripes—Republicans, Democrats, Baptists, Jews, Unitarians, liberals, conservatives, the rich, and the poor—indicate they are worried about values. I certainly am. Some shout their angst for all to hear; others express their concerns quietly. Civilization has basic standards for proper and right-thinking action. That was the theme of Winners Never Cheat: Everyday Values We Learned as Children (But May Have Forgotten) when it was first published, and it remains so with this updated version.
I don't have to paint detailed landscapes. Each reader is able to point to his or her own painful experiences starting in 2007. The scenario is neither mysterious nor coincidental: Unbridled greed often prompted unethical, reckless behavior that temporarily turned on the money spigot and fueled the hysteria for many. The shock, anger, and heartbreak took place in Act II.
The twin tragedy is that generosity becomes expendable in times of contraction. The basic urge to share, instilled in us from youth, is dulled by the self-centered instinct to survive. Is anyone surprised that charitable donations decreased in the second half of 2007 and have tanked in 2008? Are we surprised that civility and decency have taken back seats when we are in survival mode? Yet, tolerance and charity also are pillars of ethical behavior. In good times and in bad, our values insist we act graciously and generously.
Most of us care about one another. Human beings have considerably more in common with one another than they do differences. One's religion, political persuasion, family, financial and social status, or vocation does not hamper the common thread of personal decency running through most of humankind. In spite of America's fervent embrace of self-reliance, the vast majority of us believe in taking care of one another. Albert Schweitzer said it well: "You don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here, too."
An ethical code of conduct is a nondenominational religion to which all but hardcore sociopaths can subscribe. Ethical responsibility is the gold standard for determining civilized, decent courses of action. Without established and commonly accept values, the earth turns into a global food fight.
It is important for societies to settle on a set of values common to most and generally applicable to most every instance. There cannot be separate sets of ethics for home, for work, for church, and for play. Ethics belong in the home and the boardroom. And although it may seem that playing fields have changed because of unusual pressures or that rules have become malleable to accommodate unexpected situations, core values remain as solid as concrete.
Because of recent events, I saw a need to write an updated version of this book—not that what I said the first time is no longer in play. On the contrary—it remains as relevant today as it did when I originally wrote it, as unchanged as when I first learned ethical principles six decades ago. It will hold true 60 decades from now, as well.
This version of Winners Never Cheat is presented as a warning that in the darkest of times, temptation will be most alluring. These are times for a mid-course pep talk, a reminder to stay the course, to run the good race, to fight the good fight, to follow the rules we learned long ago. They will see us through hardships and help us make ourselves and the world better off.
Periodic reviews of one's ethical stances are healthy. Times change, situations change, lives change, technology changes. Situations may be altered; basic values must not.
The simplest rules of good behavior injected into us as children, like vaccines, become the prompts for ethical behavior as adults.
Tough times must not be allowed to vanquish us. We are equipped with the values that have accompanied us since our earliest years. That preparation provides us with the strength to weather storms.
Sail on...
© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.
Foreword by Glenn Beck xvii
Introduction Good Times, Bad Times 1
Circumstances may change but your values shouldn't.
Chapter One Lessons from the Sandbox 11
Everything we need for today's marketplace we learned as kids.
Chapter Two Check Your Moral Compass 25
We know darn well what is right and wrong.
Chapter Three Play by the Rules 39
Compete fiercely and fairly--but no cutting in line.
Chapter Four Setting the Example 53
Risk, responsibility, reliability--the three Rs of leadership.
Chapter Five Keep Your Word 77
It's high time to corral the corporate lawyers.
Chapter Six Why We Cross the Line 95
There are many temptations, but reminders help.
Chapter Seven Pick Advisors Wisely 107
Surround yourself with associates who have the courage to say no.
Chapter Eight Get Mad, Not Even 125
Revenge is unhealthy and unproductive. Learn to move on.
Chapter Nine Graciousness Is Next to Godliness 139
Treat competitors, colleagues, employees, and customers with respect.
Chapter Ten Your Name Is on the Door 157
Operate businesses and organizations as if they're family owned.
Chapter Eleven The Obligation to Give Back 171
Nobody is completely self-made; return the favors and good fortune.
Chapter Twelve The Bottom Line 193
Acceptable values are child's play, not rocket science.
Perspective from Larry King 207
Perspective from Neil Cavuto 215
Perspective from Wayne Reaud 221
Circumstances may change but your values shouldn't
When I wrote the original edition of this book in the fall of 2004, I had experienced four decades in the business world. My life had been enriched in every aspect. Like others before me, I discovered that ''happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." I had witnessed it all: the greed, the cheating, the lying, and the selfishness. And the triumphs, the miracles, the rages-to-riches, and the flim-flam folks.
Or so I thought. It turned out I was wrong. There have been sequels galore on the downside (and a few on the up). As I write these lines in the fall of 2008, ethical corner-cutting has risen faster than the price of a gallon of gas. Even those tough, cold winters in rural Idaho were easier to swallow than some of today's Wall Street trickery. Traditional values appear to be as in vogue as a subprime loan.
The good times of 2004 to 2007—record markets, sizzling real estate, easy credit, relatively acceptable energy costs—conspired to make us morally flabby. It is easy to take the high road when the route is leading to better times. Generosity isn't difficult when money flows.
Historically, positive economic scenarios are followed by painful downturns. The result presents new temptations to bend rules, to hoard material possessions, and to dismiss decency as being so last year. Born of anger, fear, stress, and frustration, the temptation to cut a corner is strong and persuasive. For the honest of heart—life's real winners—times like this are just another passing test.
When reaping an abundant harvest, most of us keep our senses—the common variety and in relation to fair play. Yet, it is quite apparent, given the amount of irresponsibility, cheating, fraudulent behavior, and pure greed that has recently been exposed, that not everyone was playing by the rules. Indeed, the breadth and depth of abhorrent behavior from this minority were startling. From subprime loan scams to speculation on the oil markets to crises in the insurance and financial sectors to falsifying the financial conditions of companies, ethical abuses, and the scope of government bailouts have been jaw-dropping.
Unfortunately, doing it the "right way" seldom cushions economic blows. Such letdowns can leave one confused and angry, but it is no time to panic, to lose track of our moral compass. On my mother's tombstone in Fillmore, Utah, are etched Shakespeare's immortal words: "Sweet are the uses of adversity." Surefire winners understand this adage. Crises must and can be resolved in moral ways. In so doing, keep in mind two things:
The subprime mortgage and energy price debacles were conceived in a bed of raw greed, from a dream of getting something for nothing. They were born with illusions of easy, riskless, endless money. The erosion of moral values is the natural progression of this mindset. Such obsessions require the redrawing of ethical boundaries. This sort of greed destroys the financial and emotional underpinnings of others. For some, the idea of finding a morally acceptable alternative is placed on "call waiting" until the nefarious goal is reached.
When ethical boundaries are redrawn or removed, the addiction to wealth becomes all- consuming. When expediency trumps propriety, it results in an escalating toboggan ride down a mountainside, a descent impossible to stop until the sled crashes from excessive speed and lack of direction. The late '90s dot-com burst was evidence enough. Perhaps the hedge funds of today will be the next exhibit.
This scenario results from a flawed rationale. The "objective" or "goal" is an illusion because it is based on an ethically bankrupt premise from which nothing positive can be achieved. The goal can never be reached. There will never be "enough" money; there will never be "enough" power. Thus, the "success" some envision will never be attained. A crash nearly always follows a dizzying display of "success" that is not solidly based in economic and ethical fundamentals. You can be sure the Piper will demand payment.
If everything were fair in life, perpetrators of economic meltdowns would be the only ones who suffered for their impropriety. But life isn't fair, and the fallout too often envelops good people who played by the rules, who trusted institutions, who are left to survive the rocky times brought on by others. The innocent are made to suffer for the sins of the reckless, the greedy, the cheats, the fast-buckers, the indecent, and the liars. With tough times comes another kind of temptation: the perceived necessity to cut corners, to cling to what you have, to rationalize that traditional values can be jettisoned if the ship is sinking. During this period, one can easily fall into the trap described by William Wrigley, Jr.: "A man's doubts and fears are his worst enemy."
The confusion, frustration, stress, and fears that come with financial dilemmas can make even the most ethical of individuals vulnerable to bad choices. Nevertheless, reminding ourselves of the moral path and disciplining ourselves to follow it can sustain us in such trying moments. If there is a silver lining to bad times, it is this: When facing severe challenges, your mind normally is at its sharpest. Humans seldom have created anything of lasting value unless they were tired or hurting.
A discussion involving ethics can be easily misunderstood by some minds. In reality, it is quite simple. The adherence to an ethical code is best defined as how one honors a bad situation or a bad deal. Heaven knows it is easy enough to honor a good deal, or to take advantage of an event or circumstance that is rewarding and beneficial to all sides.
My company, Huntsman Corp., has completed a court trial in Delaware, as I write this. The entire case centered around the other party trying to break a contract with us. Economic conditions changed somewhat between entering the contract a year ago and when it was to be executed, and the other company's prospects of going forward are far bleaker than when they signed the deal.
One of the lawyers for the company that signed the "iron-clad" contract with us but tried to back out made an interesting statement to the judge. "This is a very tight contract," she told the judge. "Therefore, we must look for any loopholes possible to try and extricate my client from honoring the contract." The judge didn't buy it and required the company to keep its word.
Unfortunately, this sort of behavior happens on too many occasions. With crafty lawyers, it sometimes works. Most of the time, however, iron-clad contracts simply are what they were intended to be from the start: maintaining a binding agreement between two parties. And how one honors situations when things turn sour or when a deal ends up being more costly than originally thought is how one defines his or her personal values.
In survey after survey, Americans of all stripes—Republicans, Democrats, Baptists, Jews, Unitarians, liberals, conservatives, the rich, and the poor—indicate they are worried about values. I certainly am. Some shout their angst for all to hear; others express their concerns quietly. Civilization has basic standards for proper and right-thinking action. That was the theme of Winners Never Cheat: Everyday Values We Learned as Children (But May Have Forgotten) when it was first published, and it remains so with this updated version.
I don't have to paint detailed landscapes. Each reader is able to point to his or her own painful experiences starting in 2007. The scenario is neither mysterious nor coincidental: Unbridled greed often prompted unethical, reckless behavior that temporarily turned on the money spigot and fueled the hysteria for many. The shock, anger, and heartbreak took place in Act II.
The twin tragedy is that generosity becomes expendable in times of contraction. The basic urge to share, instilled in us from youth, is dulled by the self-centered instinct to survive. Is anyone surprised that charitable donations decreased in the second half of 2007 and have tanked in 2008? Are we surprised that civility and decency have taken back seats when we are in survival mode? Yet, tolerance and charity also are pillars of ethical behavior. In good times and in bad, our values insist we act graciously and generously.
Most of us care about one another. Human beings have considerably more in common with one another than they do differences. One's religion, political persuasion, family, financial and social status, or vocation does not hamper the common thread of personal decency running through most of humankind. In spite of America's fervent embrace of self-reliance, the vast majority of us believe in taking care of one another. Albert Schweitzer said it well: "You don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here, too."
An ethical code of conduct is a nondenominational religion to which all but hardcore sociopaths can subscribe. Ethical responsibility is the gold standard for determining civilized, decent courses of action. Without established and commonly accept values, the earth turns into a global food fight.
It is important for societies to settle on a set of values common to most and generally applicable to most every instance. There cannot be separate sets of ethics for home, for work, for church, and for play. Ethics belong in the home and the boardroom. And although it may seem that playing fields have changed because of unusual pressures or that rules have become malleable to accommodate unexpected situations, core values remain as solid as concrete.
Because of recent events, I saw a need to write an updated version of this book—not that what I said the first time is no longer in play. On the contrary—it remains as relevant today as it did when I originally wrote it, as unchanged as when I first learned ethical principles six decades ago. It will hold true 60 decades from now, as well.
This version of Winners Never Cheat is presented as a warning that in the darkest of times, temptation will be most alluring. These are times for a mid-course pep talk, a reminder to stay the course, to run the good race, to fight the good fight, to follow the rules we learned long ago. They will see us through hardships and help us make ourselves and the world better off.
Periodic reviews of one's ethical stances are healthy. Times change, situations change, lives change, technology changes. Situations may be altered; basic values must not.
The simplest rules of good behavior injected into us as children, like vaccines, become the prompts for ethical behavior as adults.
Tough times must not be allowed to vanquish us. We are equipped with the values that have accompanied us since our earliest years. That preparation provides us with the strength to weather storms.
Sail on...
© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.
lovetoread94
Posted June 8, 2009
I enjoyed learning about the many different large businesses Huntsman was involved with and how his personal code of ethics was not tarnished as he made his money.
He sets a good example for anyone to follow. His personal insight into the Nixon problems was enlightening.
Very easy to read and fast. Informative, yet entertaining.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I really enjoyed the book Winners Never Cheat: Even in Difficult Times, New and Expanded Edition by Jon M. Huntsman and found myself reflecting on its messages even as I considered decisions in my own life that illustrated his point. The book emphasizes that nice guys don't always finish last and that's a great message and especially poignant one in times like these.
In summary, this inspiring book highlights the importance of always doing what's "right." Through personal stories and plenty of real-life examples Huntsman lays out his theory that when you operate from a position of integrity and consistently make decisions in line with that, things work out as they should.
I personally appreciated the timely reminder of the importance of being a trustworthy individual who behaves honestly and ethically, even when it is tempting to shirk that responsibility. Truly, all you have left when you look in the mirror at the end of the day is your character, reputation, and the confidence that you have behaved properly.
We all KNOW what is right, but sometimes, instead of owning up to it, we'll make excuses or try to rationalize decisions. Compromising our integrity like that almost always leads to problems down the road.
Huntsman talks about how each of us has a "Moral Compass" and that since deep down we realize what is right, we should use it, as it generally serves us well. When we conduct ourselves in the right way, doors open in the end - even if parts of the journey can seem more difficult.
He also focuses on the importance of giving back, that honesty and generosity go together. So often, when we aren't feeling generous, we don't behave properly. Selfishness can distance us from integrity. In fact, Huntsman has put his money where his mouth is: all author royalties from this book go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
As I was reading the book, I was dealing with a situation that highlighted for me how easily we can be tempted to make the wrong decisions. We were in the process of renting our home and one potential tenant showed up offering a big cash payment up front to rent our home for one year. He was asking for discounts in return for the advance rent and was making claims of how he'd buy the house at the end of the year. He didn't seem trustworthy and we didn't like how he conducted himself in our limited dealings with him.
I wasn't confident that he would be a good steward of our home and I didn't feel completely comfortable with him, but that much money all at once, right after Christmas and right before tax time, was appealing.
At the same time, we also were considering another family that we found to be endearing, but for whom the house could be out of reach for purchase. We expected that they would pay their rent and honor the lease and really appreciate the opportunity to live there, but knew that it wasn't a slam dunk that they'd buy the house.
In the end, we turned down the pile of cash in favor of providing a rental home for some genuine and wonderful people. We realized that it might mean finding different buyers at the end of the rental period, but went with our gut and did what we felt was the right thing.
That situation reinforced for me that the most expedient or appealing choice right now is not always the correct one. This is true in business and in life and I highly recommend this book as a refresher for anyone who endeavors to live their life by higher principle
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 20, 2008
An easy to read yet interesting review of the basics...of how to live with our fellow human beings - applied to every day life and more specifically the business world. This is not "new age feel good" but advice for how to live in the 9-5 world. Keep a copy of this book close to you at work. Give one to your children - especially the high school/collage age ones. The wisdom in this book applies to everyone, but might be too late for some who have moved down the path of ethical misconduct. If we would follow the advice in this book, our world would be in great shape.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Not Up to the Hype, July 9, 2009
By Michael Gooch "Author of Wingtips with Spurs:... (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
This is not a review but rather an opinion.
For me, this book contained a plethora of celebrity blurbs, forward, etc. and then didn't deliver near to the expected level. While it shows the author is well connected in high circles this does not always translate to a great book. In fact, some of the celebrities are mentioned in the book thereby paving the way for the blurb. In my mind, that is a little like cheating.
At times, I felt I was reading an ode to the author that he had penned himself. When you publicly champion certain virtues and attributes, this gives me the impression that you possess each one. While we know that no one can possibly reach this goal, it therefore becomes an exercise in vainglory. I also found the book too preachy for my liking. It is not a news flash that we should conduct ourselves and our business dealing in a moral fashion. A more helpful book would have been Huntsman's views on what to do with the immoral once they are weighed and measured. There was too little corrective action steps and too much preaching to the choir.
For a book that utilizes a large font and is approximately 6" X 5" it is a very quick read. Indeed, several pages are taken up with a single quote.
While there is nothing new in this book, I can give it three stars for its value in serving as a reminder to all. While my opinion may sound rather negative, it really isn't. I just feel like people should know what is behind the hype.
A five star book of this ilk is Further Up the Organization: How Groups of People Working Together for a Common Purpose Ought to Conduct Themselves for Fun and Profit by Robert Townsend.
I hope you find this review helpful.
Michael L. Gooch, SPHR
1 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 3, 2005
No matter what business you¿re in, these principles apply to your work and your life. None of them are new - honor, fairness, honesty and respect are as old as time - but this is a refresher course that reinforces what you already know about morality and ethics. Author and successful business leader Jon M. Huntsman can cite himself as living proof that you don¿t need to compromise your core values to become a success - or even a billionaire. If you¿re a leader or aspire to be a leader in any field, this quick read is well worth your time. We recommend it to help you focus on values that the modern world often tramples. The message is sweet, simple and clear: stick to your beliefs staunchly, even if it costs you in the short term, because character, integrity and long-term results are what really count.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 3, 2012
I learned who Jon Huntsman was years ago, watching Glenn Beck on CNN. This gentleman is amazing! Im excited to read this book, as he is such a generous individual but he doesnt want publicity...He is for sure leaving a legacy with his family. I can't wait to see what happens in the next couple of decades.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 3, 2012
Simply amazing,we should all want to be better people.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 14, 2011
I found this bood inspiring and a very good blue print to how someone should operate inside and outside the board room. The more I read the more I felt Jon Huntsman influence upon my own thoughts. It's a quick read and yet very valuable - of course like most things, you get out of it what you put into it. Put Jon's principles into action and you'll find such an amazing result!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.When you loose sight of your existence, whether due to your "career" pressures or "whatever" - this is an important read to remember how any form of success in your life should be "painted".
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 8, 2010
Great little book offering simple, direct guidance about the importance of "doing the right thing", living by the golden rule, that if everyone followed would result in a better world. Should be required reading especially for those wishing to run for President or Congress.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 5, 2010
Mr. Huntsman is an amazing person and after reading this book I feel compelled to tell as many people as I can about him. Everyone should read this book. His thoughts on leadership, integrity, courage, and fair play are invaluable to the business world and every day life. I will read it over and over again!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 11, 2009
I Also Recommend:
There were a few stories Jon Huntsman narrated in his book, which had a profound impact on the employee, leader, and human being I aspire to be.
1) Mercy and being Merciful: Winning the prize but being viewed as predatory and without Mercy in the end by all who watched.
2) Integrity & Covenant: I gave my word and my seal (handshake) on this deal. It took a while to pen the deal, prices went up, but my word does not change. If it does, then I fundamentally change the Respect and Trust my employees, family, and I have in myself.
3) Lawyers: Advisors period. Although he did not reference it, Michael Corleone made this very clear to Tom Hagen, when he was making the critical decisions and pivotal moves in GF II. "I trust you and know you want to help, but you are a Concigliere, not an Enforcer." Play your position on the team, REAL WELL. Accept the fact, CERTAIN people and positions were never meant to do more than one thing.
4) Loyalties, Tributes, and Allegiances: There is a whole generations of people who only know about Watergate as a "political blemish" in a President's legacy and America's history. Jon provides an insightful and VALUABLE look at a lesson I learned my first semester of graduate school: know when gratitude for a job or opportunity definitively ends and irrevocable damage to one's integrity begins. If you did not earn it through your honest actions, then it is a "debt" - whether emotional, financial, or sexual, expected to be repaid.
Thank you Jon Huntsman for the following words of inspiration:
"Adversity introduces a Man to himself."
"He proffered blind loyalty to Nixon and demanded the same from his staff. I saw how power was abused and I didn't buy in. One never has to."
".Whistleblowers, individuals who usually are neither disloyal nor disgruntled employees. They were frustrated about an internal warning system that wasn't operational or valued."
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Overview
This is the eBook version of the printed book.
The nationwide bestseller--fully updated for today’s tough times and worldwide financial crises
“Everyone does it.” Everyone cheats. Cuts corners. Tells lies. Maybe it was different once. Not today. If you want to succeed in this economic climate, you simply have to make compromises. Right?
Wrong. You can succeed at the highest levels, without sacrificing the principles that make life worth living. The proof? You’re holding it.
Jon M. Huntsman built a $12 billion company from scratch, the old-fashioned way: with integrity. There were ...