When conducting an ethical business, sometimes it’s best to turn to our heroes for advice. Some might think this a bit hokey, but 
a hero who transcends generations and contexts is none other than the beloved Spock of Star Trek. Check out these 10 things Spock would say about business ethics and help take your business where no one has gone before.
- “The needs of many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.”
Spock is entirely correct, and his statement could not be more applicable to business ethics. Too often businesses do what is in the best interest of only a few, disregarding the needs of the rest of the company, or even the community as a whole. More often than not, especially today, we find that valuing the needs of the many provides a solid foundation for business growth and success.
- “Change is the essential process of all existence.”
In order for your business to succeed, it needs to adapt to changing demands. If your employees feel like they lack in diversity, address solutions they would like you to implement. If clients want to see your company reduce its carbon footprint, work towards a more sustainable way of conducting daily business. Being aware of these changes will keep both your employees and clients satisfied. As many companies explore how to attract the Millennial generation we recognize that adopting change is critical and that change happens at warp speed today.
- “In critical moments, men sometimes see exactly what they wish to see.”
During business transactions, its easy to become blinded by false promises. Make sure your decisions are made with the best interest of your company as a whole in mind. Enron is a perfect example of people within the company, the media and the auditors seeing what they wished to see vs the reality of what is there. Critical moments require us not be blinded by the light, but willing to explore the darkness.
- “One can begin to reshape the landscape with a single flower.”
Failure is an inevitable part of life. In business, it is essential to acknowledge failure and work to address its prevention. Making one step in the right direction lays the foundation for success. I recall in my personal experience a comment that was made to me – “The choices you make today create the future you will live and the legacy you will leave to your children. Make those choices wisely.”
- “Without followers, evil cannot spread.”
Use this quote to guide your business towards an ethical future free of bribery, unfair pay, and discrimination. Unethical actions don’t generally start big. They start small with seemingly insignificant choices that become common place. I asked a group last week the following question: “Would you voluntarily make an unethical choice?” No one said they would. Then I asked: “Do you think that voluntarily breaking the law is unethical?” They all agreed that it was. Then I asked two questions: “How many have driving on the highway in the last two weeks? And how many exceeded the speed limit?” Of course hands went up all over the room. You see it’s easy to do what other people do, even if it’s wrong.
- “Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them.”
Though the technology available today is astounding and offers many conveniences, businesses must remain personable. Be careful not to rely on technology at the expense of valuable, in-person interactions. And just as important, be aware that we can become blind to truth through technology. Snapchat – an app that kids love – lead its users to believe that you can avoid detection by using the app. The truth is – every choice has a consequence and technology can be a great tool or the foundation of an illusion that hides unethical behavior.
- “Insufficient facts always invite danger.”
Communication is key in running an ethical business. Relevant information should always be available to employees and clients, and documentation of meetings, incidents, and financial records are crucial to keeping your company ethically sound. Transparency, especially in the age of instant data, is key to ethical actions and providing information needed to make relevant decisions.
- “Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
Your business should strive to meet the obligations and trust of a client, regardless of circumstances. Though some requests may seem impossible, if they are ethically sound, you will earn business by working to meet high demands.
- “Creativity is necessary for the health of the body.”
Make sure your employees feel as though they can voice their opinions. Millennials don’t have the same loyalty to an organization or company that our parents and grandparents did. Rather, they want to be a part of something bigger and test the boundaries of what has been to explore what can be. Some may possess creative intuition that has the potential to launch the company in a new, positive direction. Star Trek might have been science fiction, but the concepts used for the initial show are becoming the reality we live into today.
- “Each of us at some time in our lives, turns to someone – a father, a brother, a God, and asks, “Why am I here? What was I meant to be?”
Strive to have a business that gives its employees purpose. Each day, you and your staff should feel accomplished in working towards the same goal. A healthy work environment brings meaning and accomplishment to its workers, and a satisfied staff means a successful business.
Though life is often not like the movies, one can turn to life’s greatest films for guidance. Companies can look to the intuitive mindset and wisdom of Star Trek’s hero Spock for tips on ethical business philosophy. Though Mr. Spock spoke of outer space and extraterrestrials, his poignant words remain relevant to many aspects of life. If these quotes inspired you to solidify you business’ ethical philosophy, consider seeking professional consultation and live long and prosper.
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