Volume 2 of this collection is focused on only one very specific subject; Seven Business Principles. Other volumes focus on general topics that may be applicable to some readers and not to others. The subject of this volume is, however, applicable to every business enterprise and non-profit organization. It discusses some fundamental concepts that need to guide the behaviors of every person, in every organization, and every activity.
For most individuals, the principles are nothing new. In fact, once read, most readers will feel that they state the obvious. However, in the hectic, day-to-day business environment, it is easy to lose sight of them and consciously or unconsciously not adhere to them or, worse, act in ways that are opposed to them. Although most of the articles in this entire collection are targeted to managers, the seven principles described in this volume are applicable and should be understood by every employee in every organization. In the proper format, they should also be shared with customers, investors, and business partners to help others clearly understand how the company and all of its employees will interact and behave internally and externally.
Seven principles are identified in this volume. Perhaps others can identify additional principles. However, this list has stood the test of time and has been shared with many individuals and organizations over the past twenty years. If other principles emerge and are applicable to an organization, they should, by all means, be embraced. The only caveat is that any new principles should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that they are not in conflict with the seven principles included in this volume.
The articles and chapters in this volume consist of a general discussion of the seven principles, a short summary of them that may be suitable to distribute to all employees, and then individual chapters on each principle. The principle chapters include individual articles on certain aspects of each principle. In total, there are 69 articles in this chapter.
If a reader has limited time to spend with this entire collection, it is highly recommended that they spend that time reading and, perhaps re-reading, the next article, “The Seven Business Principles”, and then sharing it will others. The text of the speech and accompanying PowerPoint™ slides with notes, on the seven principles have been included in Volume 9 of this collection. They can be used freely to spread the concept as often and as widely as possible.
