Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten stelde een “code of conduct” op voor entrepreneurs. Een soort framework wat je ten alle tijden kunt raadplegen wanneer je het eventjes niet weet of overzicht hebt. Persoonlijk vind ik dit een goed iets, bedoel als entrepreneur zijnde ben je toch vaak pionierend bezig en loop je dus op paden die nooit eerder zijn aangeraakt. Bij beroepen als dokters is het ook allang aanwezig en heet het de “Hippocratic Oath”. Dus hierbij een vanuit Boris, ben benieuwd naar wat jullie er van vinden. Staat alles erin of mist het misschien nog iets?

The Entrepreneurial Code of Conduct
I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:


I will respect the hard-won experience of those entrepreneurs in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.


I will apply, for the benefit of my customers, shareholders and partners all measures [that] are required, avoiding self enrichment


I will remember that there is art to entrepreneurial activities as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the managers skills or the businessman’s experience


I will not be ashamed to say “I know not,” nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a company or project success.


I will respect the privacy of my customers, partners and shareholders, for their information is not to be disclosed to the world. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of profit and loss. If it is given me to make profit, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to lose my shareholders money; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.


I will remember that I do not serve an anonymous person, but a human being, whose needs may affect the person’s family, business and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the customer and everybody affected by my actions as an entrepreneur.


I will prevent problems caused by my business whenever I can, for the social impact of my company is as important as its goal of turning a profit.


I will remember that I and my company remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow
human beings, those sound of mind and body and well as rich and poor.


If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life, friendship, revenues and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of serving those who seek to acquire my products, services or company.

Posted at KBIRI: BIG AMBITIONS