John Yanak, GYF’s Managing Partner, had the pleasure of introducing Ray Betler as a guest speaker at our firm’s annual CPE Day. Ray has extensive business and leadership experience and shared personal stories from his career as he discussed ethical business relationships.
The audience enjoyed listening to his anecdotes as well as the good and bad real-life ethical examples he witnessed throughout his career. He shared insights about what is proper behavior and how unethical business relationships may change perceptions of people and workplaces.
An astounding story of unethical behavior related to a focus leadership retreat where a CEO acted inappropriately with one of his junior female employees. His unethical actions caused this young woman to question her own humanity, and had a very negative impact on both her personal and professional life.
Ray then talked about a positive example of an ethically empowering professional, Rick Webb, who is Executive Chairman of WATCO Companies, LLC. The business has been honored by Newsweek as one of the “Most Loved Work Places in America” and “Most Loved Global Work Places,” largely because of its commitment to ethical values. These stories illustrated the right way to behave, and how to treat your employees, co-workers and customers with integrity and respect.
Finally, to close the presentation, Ray reviewed certain attributes that must be in place to have ethical business relationships. These key items include core values exemplifying ethical principles, a clear mission statement, a focus on serving others, a commitment to teamwork, transparent communications, and honest, respectful interactions. Overall, Ray emphasized that it is important to “DO WHAT IS RIGHT!”
If an organization and its professionals follow this guidance, an ethically sound workplace will be built on solid, moral relationships.
Click here to access copies of the slides, links to resources and a video of the presentation
About GYF’s CPE Day: The firm presents this program each year to bring together clients, friends of the firm, and other professionals who are interested in gaining knowledge. The day is always filled with interesting presentations and great networking opportunities, and is generally attended by 300+ guests. If you have any questions about the material covered, or other issues we did not have time to address, please reach out to your GYF Executive or contact the office at 412-338-9300. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!
