- Dorothy: I loved your memo, by the way.
- Jerry: Thanks… actually, it was just a “Mission Statement.”
- Dorothy: I think in this age, optimism like that… it’s a revolutionary act.
- Jerry: You think so?
- Dorothy: Oh yes.
- Jerry: I appreciate that, because some of that stuff… you know, it was two in the morning and…
- Dorothy: — the part about “we should embrace what is still virginal about our enthusiasm” — “and we should all force open the tightly-clenched fist of commerce, and give a little back for the greater good.”. I mean, I was inspired, and I’m an accountant.
It took me more than a few years to finally rent Jerry Maguire but the film and its message about business ethics have held up remarkably well. Given the current hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing taking place in the board rooms and senior management meetings of corporate America, Maguire’s story of one guy’s battle to balance loyalty and financial success is uncannily timely.
It’s hard to do the right thing, to stand by your principles and to say no to those who will perceive you to be a fool for pursuing anything less than profit at all cost. As Dicky Fox wisely said, “The key to this business is personal relationships,” and there is no doubt in my mind that he could be speaking about any business.
Take care of your personal relationships and success and peace of mind will follow.
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