Everyday Ethics

Josh Young, the President of Yesco Signs, gave an insightful talk on ethical decision-making in both personal, professional, and public life. Drawing from his experience in real estate and signage and obtaining an academic degree from the Eccles School, he shared practical strategies for navigating tough decisions with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to doing what’s right, fair, and just.

Mr. Young began with an analogy, asking the audience to consider an airplane pilot’s routine. Pilots rely on preflight checklists to ensure safety—a clear metaphor for the importance of having a personal and professional checklist to guide our decisions. Josh referenced the Daniels Fund Checklist, a core guide to ethical living, and urged everyone to reflect: “How am I living these principles?” He emphasized the importance of periodically course-correcting and seeking improvement.

Key Takeaways from Josh Young:

1. Commit to Integrity and Accountability:
Josh stressed the importance of acting with integrity and being accountable for one’s actions. This includes a daily commitment to ethical behavior in both small and large decisions.

2. Adopt a Personal “Checklist for Life”:
He drew parallels between pilots using a preflight checklist and individuals adhering to a set of guiding principles, such as those outlined in the Daniels Fund Core Principles. This checklist helps individuals remain grounded in values, even in challenging situations.

3. Embrace Giving and Service:
Citing Bill Daniels, the legendary business owner and philanthropist, Josh shared the powerful idea of giving simply for the sake of giving, without ulterior motives. He encouraged the audience to ask themselves, “How can I give back to the world today?” and to ensure they are consistently making a positive impact, whether through charitable donations, volunteer work, or daily acts of kindness.

4. Own Your Mistakes:
Josh emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency, especially when mistakes are made. Covering up or lying about errors erodes trust, while owning them builds respect and confidence over time.

5. Stay True to Promises:
Josh shared an inspiring story about a man named Dewey who sold the rights to neon on a handshake and honored it for 35 years despite external pressures. This anecdote reinforced the need to uphold promises and maintain the confidence of others, as noted in an Abraham Lincoln quote: “If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and confidence.

6. Balance Priorities:
On the topic of work-life balance, Josh highlighted how he prioritizes his children and family. Despite the demands of a 24/7 business, he commits fully to family time when home and focuses 100% on work while at the office. He ensures he finishes any work-related calls before walking into his house, demonstrating the importance of clear boundaries and priorities.

7. Adapting to Change:
Josh noted how Yesco has had to adapt to changes in the market, such as a shift from welding to technology and the rise of projectors over screens. He emphasized the need for continuous improvement in processes and practices, especially in a fast-evolving business environment.

With his closing remarks, Josh reinforced that ethical decisions are the foundation of long-term success, both personally and professionally. By committing to integrity, accountability, and service to others, individuals can create lasting impacts in their communities and businesses.