Topic for Discussion: How does our moral capital evidence itself in our businesses?

Answer: Stanford Professor James Collins, in his study of businesses that had been successful over a long period of time, found that they all had what he called a "core ideology," combined of core values and a core purpose. This is equally true of successful small businesses where we have a code, a "this is how we do business here" message for our employees, our customers and our vendors. Within our businesses, we demand truth and honesty of ourselves and of each other.

Our moral capital extends beyond our own businesses and business partners to the community at large. Whether it's sponsoring a baseball team, getting involved with the Chamber of Commerce, or donating to our favorite charity, our moral capital is expended broadly. We give back to the community from which we draw our livelihood.

Topic for Discussion: How does our moral capital evidence itself in our businesses?

Answer: Stanford Professor James Collins, in his study of businesses that had been successful over a long period of time, found that they all had what he called a "core ideology," combined of core values and a core purpose. This is equally true of successful small businesses where we have a code, a "this is how we do business here" message for our employees, our customers and our vendors. Within our businesses, we demand truth and honesty of ourselves and of each other. Our moral capital extends beyond our own businesses and business partners to the community at large. Whether it's sponsoring a baseball team, getting involved with the Chamber of Commerce, or donating to our favorite charity, our moral capital is expended broadly. We give back to the community from which we draw our livelihood.

You think about it: Do you encourage your employees to give back, too? Do you support their community service?