Jon Huntsman build a billion dollar Styrofoam empire from scratch. His business persevered despite the fact he was lied to, deceived and cheated multiple times. How did he do it? By sticking to his principles of playing fair and never cheating.
2. You many not have heard of Jon Huntsman. But you have used his products hundreds of times. This self-made
billionaire founded the Huntsman Chemical Corporation which developed the styrofoam that is used in McDonalds
clamshell burger containers and cups to the L’eggs pantyhose egg shells.
Life was not all smooth sailing for this rags-to-riches businessman. Not one bit. He has been cheated and lied to
countless times, but his moral compass stayed true.
Here are 11 lessons on why Winners Never Cheat from Jon Huntsman.
3. No one is raised in a moral vacuum. It doesn’t matter what your background or religion is,
you know when something just isn’t right. When something doesn’t seem right, step back
and evaluate the situation. If that uneasiness doesn’t leave, then you are near dangerous
territory. Don’t do it. You must find another way or abandon your current path altogether.
“We know darn well what is right and wrong.”
Lesson #1: Check your Moral Compass
4. Character is most determined by integrity and courage. Character is also how you act when
no one is watching. Cutting in line will often get you short term gain but its long term
consequences never work out. The game is always more fun when everyone plays fair.
“Which rules we honor and which we ignore determine our personal character.”
Lesson #2: Play by the rules
5. Whatever your job or title, you have an opportunity to lead with honor. Others are
watching, whether it be a supervisor who is looking for that next leader, or a subordinate
who is looking for an example to follow. Always know that others have moments of
uncertainty and they might be looking to you for direction. You will never regret doing the
right thing.
“Strong leaders accept responsibility for problems and deal with them swiftly
and fairly. If the problem is your responsibility, then so is the solution.”
Lesson #3: Set the Example
6. Individual and corporate integrity must become the hallmark of the marketplace. Deep in
our hearts, we all have a basic understanding that when we shake on something, it’s
supposed to stick. A handshake should always be as binding as an iron-clad legal
documents. If you conduct your business in that manner, you will develop a loyal following
of customers, vendors and lifelong friends.
“When a handshake is given, it must be honored - at all costs.”
Lesson #4: Keep your word
7. You know when you are about to do something that is dishonest. You don’t need a lawyer
to tell you that. If accept dishonesty, you will find yourself in a new environment where
there will be even more temptation to do more dishonest things. Eventually you will find
yourself with consequences that make you wish you could undo it all. Guess what? Here is
your chance, don’t cross that line.
“Our values, if properly anchored, will see us through these storms.”
Lesson #5: Don’t Cross the Line
8. If you don’t have knowledge of something, find people who do. It is important to ascertain people by
their values, character and deeds, not by their looks, background or school they attended. Seek
others who have skills far above your own and are willing to stand up for what is right. After all, you
are not able to oversee all of their decisions. You need to ensure they are doing right in your absence.
“Surround yourself with associates who have the courage to say no.”
Lesson #6: Pick Advisors Wisely
9. We have all been hurt by those we trusted. Guess what? The hurt will never stop as long as you are
on this earth. Learn to move on. There is a better more productive route if you can get past the hurt
and accusations. The only one dwelling on the past is you. To make matters worse, it will stiffly your
business and worse, start to change your heat. Transform those hurts into laser-like focus and passion.
You will then be able to pursue your dreams with even greater ferocity.
“Revenge is unhealthy and productive, Learn to move on.”
Lesson #7: Get Mad, Not Even
10. Graciousness embodies love, kindness, sensitivity and charity. When we treat others
with honor they can become lifelong business associates or even great friends.
Honorable actions can often attract other people with similar values. These people
react in kind, which is often good for business.
“Treat competitors, colleagues, employees and
customers with respect.”
Lesson #8: Graciousness is Next to Godliness
11. To create a culture of respect and honor, you must treat employees like they are part of
your family. When they see how much you care, they will start to share your values. A
family culture, no matter how large the company, is absolutely necessary to having a
business that can endure through good times and bad. After all, competition is out to get
you and you need to have employees that ‘have your back’.
“The greatest dividends are those paid to hardworking men and
women through bonuses, gifts, scholarships and praise.”
Lesson #9: Operate your business as if it is family owned
12. Somewhere, somehow, all of us received help from others along our way. Many times,
events went our way that an only be described as “larger forces” at work. We owe a
portion of our success to others and the only way to repay that assistance is by sharing your
good fortune. The ironic thing is that when you start to give, others take notice. They
desire to do business with you in ways that can often leave you with more than before.
“Nobody is completely self-made; return the favors and food fortune.”
Lesson #10: Give Back
13. Life is hard. It always has been and always will be. However, remember that others
have gone before you and persevered. Don’t give up. Find the joy in life and keep that
in perspective as you tackle your daily challenges. Better days lie ahead…I promise.
“In difficult and challenging times, we must embrace the many positive
things in our lives, however small – children and loved ones, flowers
and other beauties of nature, the gifts with which we are blessed.”
Lesson #11: Don’t give up
14. I hope you enjoyed the Slide Show
Scott Postma
scott@mamenga.com
www.mamenga.com
SEO and Encouragement for Small Businesses
Thank you
