Ethics

A CEO sends $2 million message

September 2, 2016
In December 2014, Rick Holley made a decision that startled many observers: He gave back what amounted to about $2 million of his compensation.

See the good in would-be enemies

April 11, 2016
Smart negotiators know how to turn po­tential adversaries to allies. That often requires ratcheting down the tension to make others feel comfortable taking a risk.

A lesson in leading ethically

January 19, 2016
Ethical foundations are important in leadership positions. We interviewed the president and CEO of UBS, a large Swiss bank, to get his advice on how to build them.

Sepp Blatter shows you how not to lead

November 6, 2015
To lead with integrity, study Sepp Blatter’s 17-year run as president of FIFA—and do the opposite. Blatter, 79, announced his resignation from inter­national soccer’s governing body in June after years of fending off allega­­tions of corruption.

How Disney’s CEO escaped a bad boss

November 3, 2015

Soon after joining ABC as a 23-year-old, Bob Iger faced a dilemma. His manager assigned him tasks that he deemed ethically questionable. Iger, now chairman and CEO of Walt Disney Co., decided to tell other ABC personnel about what he deemed his supervisor’s bad behavior. That backfired …

KIND CEO built his company on kindness

July 27, 2015
When Daniel Lubetzky launched his own company in 2004, he also launched a personal mission: He wanted to build an organization based on kindness. Lubetzky has dedicated his company to inspiring others to live a kind life.

Dodge the slippery slope of loose ethics

December 23, 2014

Few execs start off with the intent to lie or defraud. Instead, they make the mistake of getting ensnared by one seemingly minor infraction. How does many a downfall escalate from there?

Pepsi CEO’s emphasis on ethics pays off

August 25, 2014
Steve Reinemund, Pepsi’s former CEO, recalls an incident in which his counterpart at Coca-Cola called out of the blue. Coke’s CEO thanked Reinemund for his actions, but Reinemund had no idea what that meant…

4 indicators of poor ethical decisions

April 10, 2014
Facing a choice with ethical implications? QMR—The Respectful Workplace Company—advises keeping alert for these red flags.

How ‘luxury’ came to the Four Seasons

August 29, 2013
From his father, a hardworking plasterer, Isadore Sharp learned to stay the course as ­problems arose, honor your word and operate ethically. He applied these lessons as founder and chairman of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.