Lessons from the Heart: Gratitude and Integrity in Business

As a Business Development (BD) officer at a reputable real estate housing development company, my role involves a lot of traveling, site inspections, and negotiations.
Part of what I do is to build relationships with landowners and partners. These experiences shaped my perspective on the values that guide my personal and professional life.

The Gift That Wouldn't Be Taken

One particular transaction stands out in my memory. The property owner was a middle-aged man who was also the country manager of a large logistics company, headquartered in BGC Taguig. Every time we met, he brought his family and prepared sumptuous meals for us. On the last day of our transaction, he took me, along with his family, to a fine-dining restaurant at SM Aura Premier. After the contract signing, I noticed that he and his daughter had left with a paper bag. Upon returning, his wife mentioned that they needed some time and that they would be back.

When they returned, his daughter handed me the bag, explaining that it was a gift from their family: a watch by Kenneth Cole. I was overwhelmed with gratitude but politely declined the gift. My reasons were not about my personal desires but about upholding our company policy against accepting gifts. This decision made me feel even more satisfaction, knowing we had raised our integrity as BD Officers.

Deno Jeb Gilroy's Experience

There was another instance that taught me the importance of boundaries and truthfulness. Years ago, I had a friend who ran a business that used an answering service. I offered to volunteer, and we spent some time together. During one of our meetings, he asked me to marry him. I declined because, even though I liked him, I did not love him. He was shocked and asked, “Why not?” --- This was a difficult decision, but I knew it was best for both of us.

Years later, I reconnected with him. He was happy to hear from me, but he was now happily married with children, and I had a gut feeling that we would not make a good match. These experiences have shown me that personal integrity is just as important as corporate integrity. They also highlight the importance of honesty and boundaries in our relationships and professional lives.

Balancing Gratitude and Integrity

Both situations illustrate the balance between gratitude and integrity. In the first incident, I felt grateful but refused the gift to maintain professionalism and uphold our company values. In the second instance, I made a decision based on my personal feelings and past experiences, ensuring that my actions would not compromise my values. These experiences have taught me that it is essential to be true to oneself while also being respectful of others' feelings.

For me, business ethics and corporate integrity should not be optional; they should be a natural extension of one's personal values. By maintaining these values, we build stronger, more trustful relationships both in personal and professional life.

These experiences have shaped my understanding of what it means to be a good person and a good professional. They remind me that true happiness comes from integrity and honesty, not from material gifts or temporary attractions. Integrity is the foundation upon which lasting relationships and successful careers are built. And, as MBV (our Chairman) has always said, corporate integrity is a beacon that guides us through the murky waters of business dealings, bringing light and clarity to our paths.

Key Takeaways

Gratitude is a vital part of our human experience, but it should not come at the expense of our integrity. Both in personal and professional contexts, we must stay true to our values and principles. Refusing gifts and standing by our beliefs can be challenging but ultimately brings personal and professional fulfillment. Integrity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Whether it’s building a company or a relationship, integrity is the cornerstone that ensures our success and the happiness we seek.

Remember: In the long run, the journey of life is more enriching when we stay true to our values and make decisions that align with our principles.