"Also, in one of my high school classes we studied 20 great philosophers. A lot of their teachings stuck with me, particularly those of Immanuel Kant. As a result, everyone in our organization has been exposed to Kant's Four Practices of Ethics:

The right to the truth.

The right to privacy.

The right to not be injured – physically, emotionally, financially or psychologically.

The right to an implied or written contract.

"And those precepts have guided me in fashioning the values, vision, mission, and organizational culture of Tasty Catering. A few among them include:

Screen for skill, then hire for attitude. Hiring is based on organizational fit, not solely on skills.

Teach emotional intelligence to all staff.

Understand that everyone is somebody. Leaders are clear that employees are not simply productivity units.

Create internal communications by teams and departments. Communication is not solely top down. It should speak from peer to peer.

Stress Kant's Four Practices of Ethics to remind all members of the company that they are held accountable to their co-workers.

Allow everyone in the company to have their say. (Conducted on the third Monday of each month through our 'Good to Great Council' meetings.

"I have been asked by other companies and executives why we do it this way.

Instant Insights /

Healthy minds, healthy profits

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