October 2004 Theme of the Month: “Honesty in business”
Message from John Choa, International President:
Y’s Men should set examples and be models for their communities. It is the teaching of Jesus Christ that ““No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl.” Your honesty in business is the lamp and you must be at the forefront setting the good example, to colleagues, to business relations, to costumers. So again: “Let your light shine”.
Thoughts by Arlo R. Pannkuk, Community Service Think Tank:
· Persons who are honest in business are also thought to be persons of honour in their family life. They often are also leaders in the community. Honesty can and should be a standard element in our human character.
· We often look to businesses to be pillars in the community. A business, which has dishonest practices or is perceived to be dishonest is one we choose to not patronize. It is recognized as a negative to the community.
· Honesty in business carries forward in ones commitment to religious convictions. As Y’s Men and Women, our commitment is to work ‘based on the teachings of Jesus Christ’. "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much" (Luke 16:10)
Reflections by Arne Amundsen, Community Service Think Tank:
· Honesty in all your daily doings, not only in business, demonstrates an attitude and gives you a reputation that will serve you well. Any Y's Man should be recognised as a person of honesty.
· Honesty should not be reserved for areas of special importance; we should strive to be recognised for honesty in all your activities.
· Do I sometimes compromise on honesty in order to e.g. obtain advantages, avoid difficulties or avoid hurting others?
· Is not telling the truth also dishonesty? Will dishonesty under some circumstances be acceptable? Is honesty a subject that your club should discuss in a meeting?
- Action is twofold: To practice honesty – and to communicate the need for honesty the community.
- Discuss honesty in your club re Arne Amundsen questions
- Ask a local newspaper to do an enquiry on honesty in business among its subscribers – or have you club do its own enquiry to be published in the local newspaper
- Produce an “Honesty in business” – poster or flyer to be presented to local businesses that publicly agrees to the concept.
See also www.ysmen.org - Programmes/Community Service.
Reminders:
- Please mail any action ideas or experience to me at bogolars@image.dk
- Theme of the Month for November is: “Help for the Weak ”
Y’sly - Otto H. Larsen, ISD Community Service