Unconventional Wisdom: A Talking Blog by Steve Saenz

How do Sports Shape Our Business Ethics and Behaviors?

3/15/2013

Having worked in the financial services industry since 1984, I have seen my fair share of unethical behavior. For most of this time, I have always believed that the over-developed need (desire) to achieve financial success and power were mostly to blame for this unsavory behavior.

I still believe that but, after watching the presentation below and doing some additional reading on the subject, I now believe that sports may play an important role in shaping our business ethics and resulting behavior.

I'm here on a mission of mercy...

In his epic book, the 7 Habit of Highly Effective People, the late Stephen Covey said that we live in a WIN-LOSE society. Many children are raised to think that winning is everything. They also grow up idolizing sports figures as if they were mythical Gods. We won't solve the problem anytime soon but maybe some additional awareness will increase our sensitivity to the issue. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Where do we draw the line?

Competition: what's fair today? Where we draw that line in sports, and in the general culture, shapes the games we play and the society in which we live. Our panel explores the murky ethical terrain of extreme competition as reflected in sports. Featuring Craig Robinson, Jeremy Schaap, Jim Brown and William E. Mayer.

Source: FORA.tv
Aspen Ideas Festival 2012
Aspen Institute, 26June2012

Are we taking college sports too seriously?

Last month, Ohio State hired Urban Meyer to coach football for $4 million a year plus bonuses (playing in the B.C.S. National Championship game nets him an extra $250,000; a graduation rate over 80 percent would be worth $150,000). He has personal use of a private jet.

Dr. Aubrecht, a physics professor at Ohio State, says he doesn't have enough money in his own budget to cover attendance at conferences. “From a business perspective,” he can see why Coach Meyer was hired, but he calls the package just more evidence that the “tail is wagging the dog.”

~ Excerpt from How Big-Time Sports Ate College Life by Laura Pappano -- New York Times, 01.20.2012

Click on image to access the 3A website

Do we live in a "win-lose" society?

Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing--that is, if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. There is only so much pie to go around, and if you get a big piece, there is less for me; it's not fair, and I'm going to make sure you don't get anymore. We all play the game, but how much fun is it really?

Win-win sees life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pie, and it tastes pretty darn good!

~ Stephen R. Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People