William Nawky Snowmobile Auction

Black Sled

The Ethics Of Success – The Success Of Ethics

Having just watched the Winter Olympics, I am struck by the phenomenal demonstrations of sportsmanship under stress, and the unpleasantness of selfishness in an environment where sportsmanship is the penultimate goal.

In speed skating, pushing and shoving, although grounds for disqualification, are prevalent, as each individual jockeys for position.  At the other end of the spectrum, competitors in snowboard half-pipe perform for the joy of experience, and embrace each other's success and unique skills as if they were their own. Then there are team events like hockey or pursuit skating, where, only through cooperation does a team rise to the podium.

It is not just during, but after and before an event that quality of character – or its lack – shine or cast its dark light.  Joannie Rochette, skating in the days after her mother suddenly died of a heart attack at the Games, let the emotion of love shine.  Dale Begg-Smith, an ex-Canadian athlete competing for Australia, uncovered self-centeredness in placing second, while Pierre Luuders, in 2-man bobsled showed bitterness toward the venue, the weather, the sled, without ever accepting responsibility for his own performance.  But dozens of others showed generosity, concern for each other, gratitude, sense of responsibility to a greater cause, and glorious attributes of good character.

These examples of human strengths & weaknesses, virtues and foibles, are reflections of life in general, with parallels to the business world.  They represent the quality that sets aside good people from simply successful people, successful business from ethical business. That is not to suggest that ethics and success are like oil and water, or that good is a stranger to successful.  They are merely variations on manifestations of human ethics.

The Canadian show, Dragon's Den (and its American counterpart, Shark Tank) use this dichotomy in its choice of investor entrepreneurs on the panel.  Kevin O'Leary holds himself out as a money-driven, uncharitable and intolerant of morality.  Brett Wilson, O'Leary's foil, is portrayed as charitable, ethical, compassionate. Yet, O'Leary is heavily involved in a project to explore innovative ways to reverse global warming, among other charitable ventures. 

Toughness and critical thinking in business, it seems, do not necessarily preclude compassion and consideration. 

The measure of success in business often is represented as purely financial.  Regardless of how the gold was won, it is the pinnacle of achievement.

But Bernie Madoff was a business success.  Yet, self-interest ruined an illustrious reputation, when he deprived thousands of investors of their financial future.  At the same time, how many of those investors were driven by self-interest and greed when they invested?  Conrad Black, for all the wonderful achievements and good that he did, fell to the bottom of the business heap, when he gave in to opportunity and temptation, letting financial success ruin his human accomplishments.

Neither of these gentlemen would live up to the standards of the Rick Hansens, Alexandre Bilodeaus, or Sean Whites of the world, who demonstrate dedication, tenacity, consideration, compassion and self-sacrifice.

We measure our amateur athletes by their human qualities to which we aspire.  We accept our professional athletes with their huge foibles,, when it serves our self-interest to cheer for them.  We struggle to reach the success of our most well-known entrepreneurs, forgetting the values and ethics that form who we are as human beings. We give in to peer pressure and the pressure to acquire, instead of the pressure to aspire – to the standards set by those that represent us in front of the world every four years.

We will redirect our efforts for a few hours, a few days, a few weeks during and after the Olympics, knowing, inside, that these are the real heroes of individual achievement in front of us.We will not waste a moment thinking of those invisible volunteers who sacrifice, who aim for the greater good, who serve as volunteers.  And then we will return to sacrificing integrity, eschewing honesty, in our efforts to satisfy our greed and self interest.

About the Author

Sheet Sled $174.65 This 33 lb. sheet sled is the perfect workout assistant for resistance training. Sled safely hold weighted plates for additional resistance. Shoulder/waist belt fully adjustable for most athletes. Powder coated black.

Fisher Cone Pad Replacement Sled Pad - Black - Replacement Sled Pads $425 This Fisher sled pad replaces the Cone pad for the Fisher Big Boomer and SackBak sled only. It weighs lbs. This pad is high, wide at the top and wide at the bottom. Colors Gold, Black, Red, Forest Green, Kelly Green, Maroon, Orange, Gray, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, PurpleReplacement Sled Pads - Black - Replacement Sled Pads

Fisher Youth Replacement Sled Pad - Replacement Sled Pads $110 This Fisher replacement sled pad will fit on a Fisher, Fisher Jr., and Crowther sled. The pad weighs lbs and stands high. Colors Gold, Black, Red, Forest Green, Kelly Green, Maroon, Orange, Gray, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, PurpleReplacement Sled Pads - Replacement Sled Pads

Fisher Replacement Bottom Sled Pad for T-Pad - Replacement Sled Pads $123.99 This Fisher football sled pad replaces the bottom of the T-Pad only, not the entire top part. It will also fit the Fisher, Fisher Jr., and Crowther Sled only. This pad weighs lbs. and stands high. Colors Gold, Black, Red, Forest Green, Kelly Green, Maroon, Orange, Gray, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, PurpleReplacement Sled Pads - Replacement Sled Pads

Sled Dolly Set $94.95 Parts Unlimited Sled Dolly Set Constructed of heavy duty steel and powder coated black Designed to be used with singe and double runner skis Features 2-1/2" hard rubber swivel casters Each ski plate features four wheels, while the track plate has three wheels for ease of movement Kit contains two ski plates and one track plate

GoFit Super Weight Sled - Black/Red $129.99 Improve your athletic speed and power for optimal sport performance with this sled and the included training DVD that guides you through a variety of exercises.

Sled $76.47 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A sled, sledge, or sleigh is a vehicle that moves by sliding. Usually runners or a smooth underside enable a sled to slide. Sleds are used for transport on surfaces with low friction, usually snow or ice. In some cases however, mud, grass, or even smooth stones make a good surface for sleds. In American English, sledge and sleigh refer to specific types of sleds. A sledge is usually a rough, sturdy, loadcarrying vehicle pulled by draft animals or dogs. A sleigh is typically a partially enclosed vehicle with seats for passengers that is drawn by animals and slides on runners. Sled generally refers to a smaller vehicle and often one that is pulled by a human or propelled only by gravity. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 122 Publication Date: 2010/05/19 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.28 inches

Mountain Boy Elegant Flyer Sled $421.95 Sometimes the perfect gift is something extraordinary -- beautiful, unique, playful. The Elegant Flyer is just that, a sled built like a piece of fine furniture that trumps everything else on the sledding hill. Each is made of fine figured woods right here in our Silverton workshop, and each sled is signed and numbered by the sledmaker. The design follows that of the Ultimate Flyer, with patent-pending steering and durable black plastic skids on the bottom. Elegant Flyers are made from curly maple and flame birch, with black-stained willow handrails. The Elegant Flyer meets all ASTM and USC child safety criteria. The finish is lead-free. Measures 47�L x 24� W x 4� H, 12 to 15 lbs. Patent-pending; made in Silverton, CO. Weight limit: 300 lbs. Age range: 3 years & up.This beautiful wooden sled is handmade in Silverton, Colorado, and is signed and numbered by the sledmaker.Curly maple deck and willow handrails have 3 coats of marine-grade polyurethane; all screws are stainless steel. Custom-molded plastic ski Size: 121 cm

Basyx by Hon VL443 Series Sled Base Guest Chair with Gray Fabric, Black Frame. Each $107.84 Manufacturer: Basyx by Hon. Each. Black steel sled base and frame. Polyurethane coated padded arms. Customers also search for: Chairs;Furniture. Discount Basyx VL443 Series Sled Base Guest Chair with Gray Fabric, Black Frame, Buy Basyx VL443 Series Sled B

Basyx by Hon VL443 Series Sled Base Guest Chair with Navy Fabric, Black Frame. Each $107.84 Manufacturer: Basyx by Hon. Each. Black steel sled base and frame. Polyurethane coated padded arms. Customers also search for: Chairs;Furniture. Discount Basyx VL443 Series Sled Base Guest Chair with Navy Fabric, Black Frame , Buy Basyx VL443 Series Sled

ProDown Two Man Sled with Coach Platform $2598.94 TWO MAN SLED WITH CUSTOM PADS . Traditional blocking sled designed to develop speed and strength. Features coachamp;#146;s platform and lean bar (except on One Man Sled) 'SuperDutyamp;#146; spring design to provide maximum recoil and pressure 18 oz. vinylamp;nbsp;(Royal Blue in stock) tubular steel construction for extreme durability and unique runner design for improved performance on artificial and natural turf. Custom dummies available in cone or square design in Black Col. Blue Dark Green Gold Grey Kelly Green Maroon Navy Orange Purple Scarlet andamp;nbsp; White.amp;nbsp; Please allow 2 weeks additional leadtime for custom dummies.

OFM TABLE2040OAK Cocktail Table Sled Base Oak $197.8 This cocktail table is just the right size accent for a clustered seating area. Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use. Overall height: 17 Overall width: 40 W Overall depth: 20 D Base size: Sled

Siberian Husky Dog Sled Musher Mush Dog Black Cap by CafePress $15 Two Siberian Huskies and a dog sled are the center point on this design. A great item for the musher or mushing, dog sled racing, Iditarod Enthusiast. Dog Black Cap . Top it off in our structured black cap made of sturdy, durable brushed canvas. 100% cotton breathes for year-round comfort. Adjustable closure with a low profile crown. Images are permanently adhered with a sturdy patch. Look cool on bad hair days or w

Flash Furniture BT510LEABKGG Black Leather Executive Side Chair Sled Base $91.26 Black Leather Executive Side Chair. Black Leather Upholstery. Padded Back Seat Cushions. Waterfall Seat Reduces Leg Strain. Black Powder Coat Steel Tube Frame. Sled Base. NonSkid AntiTilt Floor Levers.

Christian Ulbricht Snowman on Sled Incense Burner $74.52 The Ulbricht Snowman on Sled Incense Smoker is hand-crafted and painted in Germany. He comes with a plaid ribbon scarf and is topped with a black hat. This product is 5"" x 3.5"" x 4.5"". It has a weight of 0.4lbs. Size/Dimensions: Not Available Type: Home Accents Color/Finish: Multi-Color

OFM TABLE2040CHY Cocktail Table Sled Base Cherry $197.8 This cocktail table is just the right size accent for a clustered seating area. Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE2040GRY Cocktail Table Sled Base Gray $197.8 This cocktail table is just the right size accent for a clustered seating area. Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE2040MHGY Cocktail Table Sled Base Mahogany $197.8 This cocktail table is just the right size accent for a clustered seating area. Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE3030CHY Corner Table Sled Base Cherry $205.8 Corner tables are great spacesavers that dont skimp on usable surface area Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE3030MHGY Corner Table Sled Base Mahogany $205.8 Corner tables are great spacesavers that dont skimp on usable surface area Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE3030GRY Corner Table Sled Base Gray $205.8 Corner tables are great spacesavers that dont skimp on usable surface area Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE3030OAK Corner Table Sled Base Oak $205.8 Corner tables are great spacesavers that dont skimp on usable surface area Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE2020CHY End Table Sled Base Cherry $143.8 A great sized end table for tight spaces Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE2020GRY End Table Sled Base Gray $143.8 A great sized end table for tight spaces Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

OFM TABLE2020MHGY End Table Sled Base Mahogany $143.8 A great sized end table for tight spaces Sled base steel frames are strong and stable and the smooth black finish resists scuffs. Tabletops are marproof laminate. Marproof high pressure laminate surface. Builtin floor glides. Designed and built for commercial use.

Alera Genaro Guest Chair, Black Fabric, Sled Base. Each $155.94 Manufacturer: Alera. Each. Clean, classic lines complement any office environment. Contoured foam cushions for all-day comfort. Padded closed loop arms. Sturdy black steel sled base. Seat/Back Color(s): Black; Features & Functions: N/A; Arms Included: Yes

Flash Furniture GO908VBKSIDEGG Black Leather Transitional Side Chair with Sled Base $195.68 Transitional Style Black Leather Side Chair. Black Leather. Button Tufted Back and Seat. Thick Padding. Chrome Finished Loop Arms. Leather Upholstered Padded Arm Rests. Chrome Finished Sled Base. NonMarring Floor Glides.

Alera GE43LS10B Genaro Series Guest Chair Black Leather Sled Base $224.31 Clean classic lines complement any office environment. Contoured foam cushions for allday comfort. Padded closed loop arms. Sturdy black steel sled base. Seat/Back Color(s): Black; Features Functions: N/A; Arms Included: Yes; Recommended Applications: N/A.

Woman on Sled $39.99 Woman on Sled - Giclee Print

SL for Sled $49.99 SL for Sled - Giclee Print

Toys on Sled $34.99 Toys on Sled - Giclee Print

Flexible Flyer PT Blaster 45-inch Steerable Sled $141.35 Blast down snowy hills in this PT Blaster sled from Flexible Flyer. Constructed of rugged plastic, this 45-inch sled features a wide drivers seat, steering wheel and functional brakes. Brand: Flexible FlyerColor: BlackMaterials: PlasticSize: 45 inchesCapacity: One (1) to two (2) peopleDimensions: 45 inches long x 20 inches wide x 18 inches highWeight: 12 lbs

Zuo Modern 205330 Synergy Sled Conference Chair - Black $238 Synergy Sled Conference Chair - Black by Zuo Modern 205330. Structural and clean in look and design, the Synergy sled chair has soft plastic arms, steel frame, fabric seat, and curved tube base.SpecificationThis item includes:ZM-205330 Synergy Sled Conference Chair - BlackDepth:21Width (Overall Length):19Height:33Seat Width:19Seat Height:18Seat Depth:19.3Arm Height:25Please refer to the Specifications to determine what items are included since sometimes the image shows more or less items. If you are not sure, please contact us and our customer service will be glad to help.

Alera Genaro Series Guest Chair, Black Leather, Sled Base. Each $155.94 Manufacturer: Alera. Each. A comfortable welcome for visitors and guests. Leather padded closed loop arms. Customers also search for: Alera;Chairs/Stools; Genaro Series Discount Genaro Series Guest Chair, Black Leather, Sled Base, Buy Genaro Series Guest

Hon Solutions Seating Sled Base Guest Chair, Olefin, Black. Each $183.94 Manufacturer: Hon. Each. Solutions Seating Sled Base Guest Chair Wide cushions provide overall comfort and back support. Upholstery has stain-resistant protection. Black oval steel frame and base. Seat: 20w x 18d. Back: 21w x 14h. Overall height 32-1/2".

Safco Cava Collection Sled Base Guest Chair, Black Vinyl. Each $136.34 Manufacturer: Safco. Each. Cava Collection Sled Base Guest Chair Upholstery includes stain-resistant protection. Black oweder coated metal frame. Seat: 20w x 18d. Back: 20w x 14h. Overall height 32-1/2". Meets or exceeds ANSI/BIFMA standards. Manufacturer