Inroads for Business

As a child, we were told that we are known by who we hang around with. The good book says we are known by our fruits. Let’s apply these principles to our businesses. Your business is not human and can not form integrity on it’s own. Being a business of integrity starts with you first, other staff or employees and those you associate with.

Business integrity is so much more than just adhering to the law, it means strictly following a moral and ethical code of conduct. It means doing the right thing all of the time, even if you think you won’t get caught or no one is watching. Your actions MUST be congruent with your words. Do you have a code or standard of conduct?

Ponte-Fabrico is one of the oldest remaining bridges of the Roman Empire it was built in 62 BC. It still remains in use today. It, like your business, has a few key components that you need to reflect on to be a business of integrity.

1. Owners/managers set the standard of ethical behavior, fairness and honesty – This bridge was commissioned by Lucius Fabricius who was a member of Gens Fabrica, which means he is part of a family who had been working at building for more than 300 years. Your business likely does not have a generational reputation of that length of time but Lucious would have been known for who he was. We all know the adage, of what flows down hill, but good things do as well. Spectacular leadership will inspire others to reflect the same, within and outside of your organization.
2. Be transparent – Lucious would have known instantly if the mortar he was working with was not exactly what he needed. If he had skimped on materials, or cut corners for saving a bit of time, would this bridge still be standing? If you have hidden costs, flaws or personal issues, this will impact your business over the long run. Transparency with customers will help them to make the best decisions for their situation. Under promise and over deliver every time, if you can’t be honest with your clients and try to cover your short falls, it will catch up with you.
3. Accountability – Consistently enforce standards. If you are working with someone who has a shady side hustle or an employee who skims a little, issues must be addressed immediately. If you personally have an issue with some kind of personal struggle in your life, find someone who you can talk to and will hold you accountable in your situation. What is done in secret will ALWAYS come to the light. You might see billionaires get away with committing terrible atrocities but you are not them and many a person/business has fallen due to personal indiscretions.

We actually don’t know what kind of person Lucious was. Did he bribe people or use his influence to get this contract? Did he use slave labour? Did he cheat, lie and steal? Do the ends justify the means? Romans know how to build cement that would actually improve over time. Scripture gives us principles that will endure and build good things for the Kingdom, let’s associate with other businesses and people who also desire to be moral and ethical and build better, lasting relationships.

By building bridges or Inroads of integrity you will reap the benefits for many years to come. This practice fosters relationships that will create customer loyalty, employee trust and financial stability.

Being a business of integrity means that you behave honourably, consistently and with transparency. You align with ethical commitments and a stated mission which will will create both internal strength and external trust.