The Ethical Leaders in Action Profile Series is a service of Ethical Leaders in Action. The first profiles were originally published by our predecessor organization, the Hill Center for Ethical Business Leadership, which was a division of the James J. Hill Reference Library. (ELA is not affiliated with the J.J. Hill Library, but is offering these documents with the full permission of that institution)
Each edition of this series tells the story of an organization that is succeeding by investing in one or more critical stakeholder relationships. Select a story to view below.
Note: Ethical Leaders in Action Series stories are available as PDF documents and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.
E.J. AJAX AND SONS, INC. (VOLUME 2: EDITION 1)
The facilities of Ajax Metal Stamping resemble many shop environments. Decoration tends to run toward metal parts in various stages of manufacture, framed articles about the company and its employees, and posters reinforcing messages about safety. This last theme is reinforced by the obligatory clock showing the elapsed time since a time-loss injury. The reading on that clock – over 19 years – begins to suggest that this is no ordinary industrial workplace. As I met the people who work in this environment, it became clear that the organization that calls this shop home is quite extraordinary.
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF COMMUNITY (VOLUME 1: EDITION 3)
Apple Tree Connections, a child care center in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a very special place. The physical space is intentionally planned, and the social environment carefully managed, but the differences seem to go deeper.
COMMUNITY LANDLORD’S COMMITMENT TO ECO-MANAGEMENT IS SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE (VOLUME 1: EDITION 2)
Too often, environmental initiatives are equated only with large investments like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification or green product development. Skally Management, a family business that owns and manages apartment buildings, pursues eco-management with initiatives and practices that are environmentally sound, commercially beneficial, and achievable by other small businesses. Hill Center helps great leaders go beyond compliance to realize the benefits of building stronger stakeholder relationships.
LOCAL RESTAURANT HELPS EMPLOYEES MAKE THE DIFFERENCE (VOLUME 1: EDITION 1)
This first story of the Ethical Leaders in Action Series examines how Blue Plate Restaurant Company has achieved excellent commercial outcomes by investing in employees. Blue Plate Restaurant Company has achieved sustained, profitable growth primarily based on consistently exceptional customer service. As co-owner David Burley puts it, “we treat our employees like we expect them to treat our customers.” .
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