Comments

Absolutely!! just to add, we are shaped Morally (and Spiritually) Mostly by the Educational Institutions we study in; and then Professionally by the organzations we work with in our initial years.

If the Educational Institutions impart right Values then we would see much better (business) leadership guided by higher Integrity, Honesty and far lesser personal greed.

Posted by Anurag Sharma at May 19, 2010 1:22 AM

There's no doubt about the importance of educational establishments and workplaces. But what about the importance of family? It's a much derided but over-looked factor. I'm not limiting this to a traditional, 2-parent, 1 of each sex family, but what about the over-arching influence and importance of a loving and nurturing family background that can shape and cement the basic values of respect, decency, honesty and integrity?

Posted by Mark JF at May 19, 2010 2:55 AM

Mark is absolutely spot on about family values – that’s fundamental to how we turn out as adults – rough and smooth. I would however agree, at least as far as I have been concerned in my professional life, that experiences in the institutions I’ve worked in and studied in are probably as important. But I don’t think it is about the institution itself – it’s always about people.

I’ve ALWAYS looked for older, more experienced people as mentors from age 16 when I started work. At 57 years old I have a few inspirational individuals that I consider ‘mentors’ in my professional life including some old guy from VT. Two in particular always spring to my mind immediately namely Professor George Giarchi, 80 years old, going on 18 - still teaching in Plymouth University and Tony Benn, 85 years old and looking forward to his next century of work. Both ooze integrity.

My summary; NEVER look to companies/organisations in themselves for role model behaviour. Always look for such inspiration from INDIVIDUALS whose words match their actions.

Posted by Trevor Gay at May 19, 2010 3:30 AM