I anticipate a swelling sea of commentary about to shift my way regarding Davos 2016, and the ethical disconnect for the vast majority of humans occupying planet earth.
One of the main topics discussed at length from world leaders, business people, & power brokers posed this question: Are we on the cusp of a fourth industrial revolution?
Some of the smartest, richest, and best connected people whipped this idea around like a tossed salad begging a response of who really cares and what does this have to do with the ethical deterioration of our values and moral compasses?
I’m sorry to remind and re-inform them that the “have nots” totalling some five billion humans have annual income of approximately $10K, are not gaining ground, and suffer fates beyond what we can possibly fathom.
Please know that I am not accusing them of not caring about common men and women or being concerned. After all, the motto from Davos is “Committed To Improving The State Of The World.”
Make no mistake about it, every participant had a personal agenda likely invisible from the motto; and ethical conduct of humans probably wasn’t at the top of the list.
This raises the question of why don’t we have more purposeful and ethical leaders whose words, actions, and track record are about improving the lives of our fellow humans via their deployment of moral compasses?
Unfortunately, my answer points to the darker side of all humans. Greed, arrogance, entitlement, and self-serving interests/conduct is everywhere, growing, and putting future generations at extreme risk.
Leaders are brilliant at coughing up wonderful sound bytes, talking about their values, and becoming more entrenched in their positions.
However, if you drop the curtain and view what really is happening, the landscape is not a pretty one.
Leaders at all levels rationalize, justify, and compartmentalize their conduct as our global problems increase.
In America, only 19% say they can trust the government always or only most of the time. Only 20% describe government programs as well-run, and believe that the average person over 55% of the time could do a better job of solving our biggest problems.
In the business world the statistics are just as sobering. For example, most current surveys indicate that only 15% trust business leaders to tell the truth.
What does this say about their ethical and moral compasses?
More importantly, why do we tolerate and blindly support our leaders when our global problems continue to grow?
As a baby boomer and parent, I worry about a host of significant issues pressing the United States beginning with increased poverty, increased welfare/entitlements, soaring healthcare costs, increased violence, and a middle class that is stuck in wage neutrality.
In less wealthy countries, the gap between the haves and have nots continues to expand while self-serving leaders continue to do what is best for them ignoring ethical choices.
To the Davos participants: you had a big party and largely ignored your many constituents who helped you succeed.
Take off your blinders, re-enter the Milky Way Galaxy, and wake up.
Your clock is ticking and the average human is beyond fed up. Our time is now and our kids deserve a whole lot better people than you calling the shots.
We couldn’t care less about what you think the 4th Industrial Revolution looks like.
I ask every reader to step up, do more, and look out for others who have little or are in desperate ruts.
Make the ethical choices and turn your moral compasses fully on each day.
Do your best every day. With gratitude/blessings,
Mark
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