Putting Your Customers' Needs First

• A few words about Ethics in Corporate America

The aftermath of all our corporate scandals was only made worse by our educational institutions and other consulting organizations that were hastily “pitching” courses and programs to “teach” ethics to those of us in Corporate America. These corporate leaders who did what they did…do not need an “ethics lesson”; they knew precisely what they were doing and why they were doing it. Ego, personal greed, power, entitlement, because they can do it, whatever the reason or excuse may be…it makes no difference. Let’s not make light of the situation by “forgiving” those who know better or suggesting that they were somehow misled or “took the wrong path”. Hell yes…they took the wrong path…they knowingly took the “gold-paved, yellow brick road” because that was the “shortest” path to “greater” wealth and self-aggrandizement. Part of our development as children was learning “right from wrong”. We might come from different races, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, but we all know inherently what is right or wrong. If, when a kid you do something wrong (either acting alone or pressured by your peers) like stealing a pencil or a pair of scissors from a store…you KNOW it is WRONG. If someone when you are a teenager pressures you into doing or supporting something that you later realize is against your better judgment, you as an individual LEARN from that experience. No one goes to college and then later ascends the corporate ladder to top management without clearly understanding the basic principles of right and wrong! Just like colleges and universities should not be teaching remedial English and math…they should not be expected to teach ethics to persons who someday will be leading America’s corporations. It is fitting and proper for companies to have and to maintain ethics policies, procedures and hotlines so that all employees regardless of their position within the organization—are aware and adhere to the SAME guidelines in their organization. This same approach should apply to abiding by local laws as well. Legal, moral or ethical issues should be clearly addressed in a Company’s Employees Handbook so that there is ABSOLUTELY NO MISUNDERSTANDING about what practices will be tolerated and which ones will not! These were the Guiding Principles at Thomas & Betts as espoused by our CEO, Dominic Pileggi...they are as valid today as they were in 2012:

Guiding Principles

• We Treat Each Other With Respect. We act professionally at all times, and acknowledge and seek differences of opinion.

• We Understand Customer Needs. We listen to our customers, act on their input and strive to exceed their expectations.

• We Are Committed to Operational Excellence and providing a safe and healthy workplace. We put quality and safety first in all we do, from manufacturing to sales to customer service.