The Oath

Business decisions have a massive impact on the world—a fact that has been devastatingly clear since the beginning of the global economic crisis in 2008 and still clearer today as we struggle to find the right balance between Main Street, Wall Street, and International Drive. When the forces in control of the economy fail to act responsibly, everyone suffers. If we obsess over the short term, we’ll never be sustainable in the long term. When we find a way to create value while also acting in the best interests of society and the planet, everyone benefits. Though these forces may sometimes seem to be out of our control, the reality is that we all have a part to play.

Most of us do not see ourselves—and our respective decisions—as being the ones shaping the state of our world. In fact, we often argue that we do not make life or death decisions. It’s just business, right? But, the truth is most of us do make hundreds of seemingly small decisions every day that change the course of our world and the people in it. For better (or worse), every day, in thousands of life altering ways. The way you choose to behave as a professional and as a member of the business community has an incredibly important impact. You have power over your own professional ethics, and you have the choice to do partner with socially responsible businesses, invest in the positive development of yourself and those around you, and think through the ripple effect of each of those not so small after all decisions.

Thanks for your interest in helping to change the management profession. You and thousands of others are making business better. The Oath represents a personal commitment to lead with purpose, act with integrity, and understand the reach, power, and responsibility of business. By committing to what it represents you are joining thousands of other dedicated leaders changing the face of business one decision at a time.