Your example of the mechanic reminds me of something my grandfather used to do. He would always tip mechanics an extra $5 or $10 dollars directly as a way of saying thank you. It could be a one minute fix, or a free tire repair – it didn’t matter. It wasn’t a lot of money, but that little gesture meant a lot to these mechanics.

It was amazing to watch people’s reaction when I told them my name and they would always ask if I was related to my grandfather. His reputation was priceless around town, and I knew if I ever needed any help from a mechanic that the mere mention of his name brought me all the best efforts from them.

Thanks for sparking that memory.

Brad
.-= Brad Harmon´s last blog ..What’s Your Small Business Two Minute Drill? =-.

I’m kind of on a quest to persuade people — whether one is personally religious or not — that an intact value system is really best for all of us and is, in fact, the civilizing feature of a culture.

It’s only obvious helping another individual will in return help you but there’s also a third party. As you do something nice form someone they in return do something nice for anther person. What we have started here is like a domino affect.

This proves that helping each others is a good and positive thing to accomplish.
.-= bbrian017´s last blog ..How to Write Extremely Good Content =-.

I do think we need to be self-reliant and take care of ourselves, but whether or not that means helping another first or second really depends on the situation, IMO. Unfortunately, I think US culture is much more likely to encourage us to self-indulgence than to charitable giving and to getting ahead than to honesty. In the long run, the climate that creates hurts us all.

Business ethics? There is no such thing….