The Power of Ethical Management
by Norman V. Peale & Ken Blanchard [more]
Preface: I'm a little more central on optimism and religion than these guys but this book was one of the first I read when starting my company and it really shook me up. It takes an hour to read and the two main lessons that stayed with me were "You don't have to cheat to win in business" and "your business will only be as good as your people are empowered."
A favorite quote:
1. "Is it legal? Will I be violating either civil law or company policy?"
2. "Is it balanced? Is it fair to all concerned in the short term as well as the long term? Does it promote win-win relationships?"
3. "How will it make me feel about myself? Will it make me proud? Would I feel good if my decision was published in the newspaper? Would I feel good if my family knew about it?"
