I have had a passion for Ethics ever since I began delivering lectures on the subject. ‘Values, Ethics and Working Collaboratively’ was the first ever module I got entrusted with. I am still unsure what it is (especially the differences shared between you and I), but I know all too well the importance of them. Ethics is the next big thing. Think of ‘Culture’, the buzz word of business for the last however long, 5-10 years? Well, ethics is the natural progression.

You can see how ethics is the refined conversation of culture, when you see ourselves as a group of people. A group of people, with a whole bunch of aligning, or varying, views. Once you come together, in a-so-called group (think society, communities, groups or teams) you realise that in order for such a group to function, there needs to be a middle ground. This ‘middle ground’, is essentially what ethics is – our moral compass. Who decides what that middle ground is, and who decides whether those grounds are wrong or right, is essentially, the conversation of ethics.

Every single business involves people, and every single business involves ethics.

‘I think, therefore, I have ethics. I have ethics, therefore I think’

The Beatles revolutionised the world. A common middle ground was found. People listened, people agreed and the people loved (from what I heard anyway). However, growing up with the Beatles ringing in my ears, I have made a connection that I feel is profound; The Beatles as a source of ethics.

This is a thought that I have had for the longest time now, but it struck me once again today. I often make a connection to the words the Beatles sing, and the lyrics they wrote, on how I should see the world live, and what decisions I should make, and how I should live – but today a new song struck me, with a whole new wave of ethics.

Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!

This is the song that unlocked new guidance for my moral compass today. Shedding new light on fields relevant to my every day life (at this particular moment). To keep it simple, I will choose one lyric from each verse and explain.

From Verse 1: ‘In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world’

You must challenge the world; and challenge your beliefs of this, world. What ever you know, you don’t, and whatever you’re told – question the authority.

From Verse 2: ‘Their production will be second to none‘

Whatever you do, do it well. Get the basics right. Don’t cut corners and produce things of quality. Whether it be chopping your onion, taking a turn when driving, or tying your shoelaces. Produce it properly; production quality.

From Verse 3: ‘Having been some days in preparation‘.

It all comes down to planning and preparation. To the extent of planning. Spend “days” planning, The Beatles tell us plurally. Now I don’t mean dayzzzzz, but 2 days ahead at least. Instead of planning the night before, plan 2 days prior. This can be thought about in simple food terms again – cook double and you’re sorted for today n t’morrow.

When I deliver lectures, you must make things relate – especially when working with different cultures – and I choose food. I use examples from food, cooking and other social vehicles such as sport or music, to elicit and deepen understanding. Hmm I wonder the Ethics on food (?)

Ethics is the next big thing, or should I say now – you’ll see it soon. Conversations of ethics coming up at work, ethics training. Ethics this, and Ethics that. Wholeheartedly, I think this is ultimately a good thing. Why? A common source of Ethics must be found. Ethics is why we fight and bicker and have the very worst thing imaginable; war. The ethical blueprint of the world must be brought into contention, for change. The world has drifted so far gone from a common commonality of ethics – a common understanding and agreement of right and wrong and how to live. You’ll either see it, or rather, you’ll be the one mentioning it.

What guides your ethics?