Kindergarten ethical standards: Playground Ethics: Lessons for Entrepreneurs from Kindergarten

1. Why Kindergarten is a Great Place to Learn Ethics?

ethics are the principles and values that guide our behavior and choices in different situations. They help us to distinguish between right and wrong, fair and unfair, good and bad. Ethics are not only important for individuals, but also for organizations, especially in the business world. Entrepreneurs, who are often faced with ethical dilemmas and challenges, can benefit from learning and applying ethics in their ventures.

But where can we learn ethics? How can we develop ethical awareness and skills? One might think that ethics are taught in formal education, such as schools, colleges, or universities. However, ethics are not something that can be easily learned from textbooks or lectures. Ethics are more than just rules or laws; they are habits and attitudes that shape our character and personality. Ethics are best learned through practice and experience, through interactions and relationships, through trial and error.

And what better place to start learning ethics than kindergarten? Kindergarten is a great place to learn ethics because:

1. Kindergarten is a social environment where children interact with peers, teachers, and other adults. They learn to share, cooperate, communicate, and respect each other. They also learn to deal with conflicts, disagreements, and emotions. These are essential skills for ethical decision-making and behavior in the future.

2. Kindergarten is a creative environment where children explore, experiment, and express themselves. They learn to use their imagination, curiosity, and innovation. They also learn to appreciate diversity, beauty, and art. These are important qualities for ethical thinking and vision in the future.

3. Kindergarten is a learning environment where children discover, question, and solve problems. They learn to use their logic, reasoning, and evidence. They also learn to admit mistakes, learn from feedback, and improve themselves. These are critical skills for ethical analysis and evaluation in the future.

For example, consider the following scenario that might happen in a kindergarten playground:

> Alice and Bob are playing with a ball. Charlie comes and asks to join them. Alice agrees, but Bob refuses. He says that the ball is his and he doesn't want to share it with Charlie. Charlie feels hurt and angry. He tries to grab the ball from Bob, but Bob pushes him away. Alice tries to calm them down, but they start to fight. A teacher sees them and intervenes. She asks them to explain what happened and how they feel. She then helps them to find a solution that is fair and acceptable for everyone.

This scenario illustrates how kindergarten children can encounter ethical issues and learn ethical lessons in their everyday activities. They can learn to:

- Recognize and respect the rights and interests of others

- communicate and negotiate effectively and peacefully

- Consider the consequences and impacts of their actions

- Seek and accept guidance and feedback from others

- Apologize and forgive sincerely and generously

- Compromise and collaborate willingly and happily

These lessons are not only relevant for kindergarten children, but also for entrepreneurs who want to succeed in the business world. Entrepreneurs can apply the same ethical principles and practices that they learned in kindergarten to their ventures. They can:

- Respect their customers, partners, employees, competitors, and stakeholders

- Communicate and negotiate effectively and peacefully with them

- Consider the social and environmental impacts of their products or services

- Seek and accept guidance and feedback from mentors, advisors, investors, and customers

- Apologize and forgive sincerely and generously when they make mistakes or encounter failures

- Compromise and collaborate willingly and happily with others to achieve their goals

By doing so, entrepreneurs can not only create value and profit, but also trust and reputation. They can not only achieve success, but also happiness and fulfillment. They can not only be good business people, but also good human beings.

2. How to Collaborate and Co-create with Others?

One of the most valuable skills that kindergarten teaches us is how to work well with others. Whether it is building a sandcastle, painting a picture, or playing a game, we learn to share our ideas, listen to feedback, and cooperate towards a common goal. These are essential qualities for entrepreneurs who want to create successful products and services that solve real problems for their customers. In this section, we will explore how to apply the kindergarten principle of sharing is caring to the entrepreneurial process of collaboration and co-creation. Here are some tips and examples to help you:

- 1. Find your playmates. Just like in kindergarten, you need to find people who share your vision, passion, and curiosity. These could be your co-founders, partners, mentors, or advisors. They should complement your skills and strengths, challenge your assumptions, and support your growth. For example, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were both passionate about personal computing, but had different talents and perspectives that made them a great team.

- 2. Share your toys. In kindergarten, we learn to share our toys and resources with others, because it makes the play more fun and creative. Similarly, as entrepreneurs, we need to share our ideas, data, and feedback with our collaborators, because it helps us validate our assumptions, generate new insights, and improve our solutions. For example, Airbnb co-founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia shared their prototype website with their friends and early adopters, and used their feedback to iterate and refine their product.

- 3. Play nice. In kindergarten, we learn to respect the rules, boundaries, and feelings of others, because it makes the play more enjoyable and harmonious. Likewise, as entrepreneurs, we need to respect the values, goals, and expectations of our collaborators, because it builds trust, loyalty, and alignment. For example, Ben and Jerry's founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield agreed on a set of social and environmental values that guided their business decisions and partnerships.

- 4. Have fun. In kindergarten, we learn to have fun and enjoy the play, because it makes us happy and motivated. Similarly, as entrepreneurs, we need to have fun and enjoy the collaboration, because it makes us more productive and resilient. For example, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin created a culture of fun and innovation at their company, where employees can play games, pursue their passions, and experiment with new ideas.

3. How to Respect Diversity and Inclusion?

One of the most important lessons that kindergarten teaches us is to be nice to everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or preferences. This is not only a moral duty, but also a smart strategy for entrepreneurs who want to succeed in a diverse and global market. Being nice to everyone means respecting diversity and inclusion, which are essential for creating a positive work culture, attracting and retaining talent, and reaching new customers. Here are some ways that entrepreneurs can apply this lesson to their businesses:

- 1. Educate yourself and your team about diversity and inclusion. Learn about the different dimensions of diversity, such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, and more. Understand the challenges and opportunities that diverse groups face in the workplace and society. Provide training and resources for your team to raise awareness and sensitivity about diversity and inclusion issues. Encourage open and respectful dialogue and feedback among your team members and stakeholders.

- 2. Foster a culture of belonging and empowerment. Make sure that everyone in your team feels valued, respected, and supported. celebrate the differences and similarities that make your team unique and strong. Recognize and reward the contributions and achievements of each team member. Provide equal opportunities for growth and development for everyone. Create a safe and inclusive environment where people can express their opinions, ideas, and concerns without fear of discrimination or retaliation.

- 3. Embrace diversity and inclusion as a competitive advantage. Recognize that diversity and inclusion are not only the right thing to do, but also good for business. Research shows that diverse and inclusive teams are more creative, innovative, productive, and profitable than homogeneous ones. diversify your products and services to meet the needs and preferences of different segments of customers. Expand your market reach and customer base by tapping into new and emerging markets. leverage the diverse perspectives and experiences of your team to generate new and better solutions for your customers and stakeholders.

By being nice to everyone and respecting diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurs can not only follow the kindergarten ethical standards, but also gain a competitive edge in the market. Here are some examples of successful entrepreneurs who have embraced this lesson:

- Sara Blakely, the founder and CEO of Spanx, a company that sells shapewear and apparel for women and men. She has created a culture of empowerment and fun for her team, which is composed of 97% women. She has also donated millions of dollars to support women entrepreneurs and causes around the world.

- Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer. He has built a culture of happiness and service for his team and customers, based on his core values of delivering wow, embracing change, being adventurous, being humble, and more. He has also invested in revitalizing downtown Las Vegas, where his company is based, and creating a community of entrepreneurs and innovators.

- Leila Janah, the founder and CEO of Samasource, a company that provides digital work and training to people living in poverty. She has created a social enterprise that leverages the power of technology and data to create impact and opportunity for marginalized communities. She has also founded LXMI, a luxury skincare brand that sources organic ingredients from women farmers in Africa.

4. How to Comply with Regulations and Standards?

One of the most important lessons that kindergarten teaches us is to follow the rules. Rules are there to ensure order, safety, fairness, and respect among the members of a community. Similarly, entrepreneurs need to comply with the regulations and standards that apply to their industry, market, and customers. These may include legal, ethical, environmental, social, and quality standards that govern how they operate their business, produce their products or services, and interact with their stakeholders. Failing to comply with these regulations and standards can have serious consequences, such as fines, lawsuits, reputational damage, customer dissatisfaction, and loss of competitive advantage. Therefore, entrepreneurs should:

- Be aware of the relevant regulations and standards that affect their business. They should research and consult with experts, such as lawyers, accountants, or industry associations, to understand the requirements and expectations of their regulators, customers, and other stakeholders. They should also keep up to date with any changes or updates in the regulations and standards, and adjust their business practices accordingly.

- Implement policies and procedures that ensure compliance with the regulations and standards. They should document and communicate their policies and procedures to their employees, partners, suppliers, and customers, and provide them with the necessary training, guidance, and support. They should also monitor and evaluate their compliance performance regularly, and identify and address any gaps or issues.

- Demonstrate their commitment to compliance with the regulations and standards. They should not only comply with the minimum requirements, but also strive to exceed them and set higher standards for themselves and their industry. They should also communicate their compliance achievements and goals to their stakeholders, and seek feedback and improvement opportunities.

For example, a kindergarten that follows the rules would have a clear code of conduct for its staff and students, a safe and clean environment, a curriculum that meets the educational standards, and a transparent and fair admission and evaluation process. A kindergarten that does not follow the rules would risk losing its license, accreditation, funding, reputation, and trust. Similarly, an entrepreneur that follows the rules would have a legal and ethical business model, a high-quality and sustainable product or service, a loyal and satisfied customer base, and a positive and responsible image. An entrepreneur that does not follow the rules would risk facing legal actions, customer complaints, negative publicity, and competitive disadvantages.

5. How to Admit and Learn from Failures?

One of the most important skills that entrepreneurs can learn from kindergarten is how to apologize sincerely and constructively when they make a mistake. Mistakes are inevitable in any business venture, but how you handle them can make a big difference in your reputation, relationships, and results. Apologizing is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of respect, honesty, and accountability. It shows that you care about the impact of your actions and that you are willing to learn from your failures. Here are some tips on how to say sorry when you make a mistake as an entrepreneur:

- Acknowledge your mistake promptly and directly. Don't try to hide, deny, or justify your mistake. Instead, admit it as soon as possible and take responsibility for it. For example, if you missed a deadline, don't blame it on external factors or make excuses. Simply say, "I'm sorry, I messed up. I should have planned better and delivered on time."

- Apologize to the right person or people. Think about who was affected by your mistake and how they might feel. Then, apologize to them personally and sincerely. Don't use a generic or impersonal apology, such as "Sorry for any inconvenience." Instead, use their name and express empathy, such as "I'm sorry, John. I know this must have caused you a lot of stress and frustration."

- Explain what went wrong and how you will fix it. Don't just say sorry and leave it at that. Show that you understand the cause and the consequence of your mistake and that you have a plan to correct it. For example, if you delivered a faulty product, don't just say, "I'm sorry, the product was defective." Instead, say, "I'm sorry, the product was defective. We have identified the problem and we are working on a solution. We will send you a replacement as soon as possible."

- Learn from your mistake and avoid repeating it. Don't let your mistake define you or discourage you. Instead, use it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Reflect on what you can do better next time and implement the necessary changes. For example, if you made a bad decision, don't just say, "I'm sorry, I made a bad decision." Instead, say, "I'm sorry, I made a bad decision. I have learned from this experience and I will make better choices in the future."

- Follow up and follow through. Don't let your apology be the end of the conversation. Instead, keep in touch with the person or people you apologized to and update them on your progress. Show that you are committed to making things right and that you value their trust and satisfaction. For example, if you promised a refund, don't just say, "I'm sorry, I will process your refund." Instead, say, "I'm sorry, I will process your refund. I have sent you a confirmation email and you should receive the money in your account within 24 hours."

By following these steps, you can say sorry when you make a mistake as an entrepreneur in a way that is respectful, honest, and constructive. You can also demonstrate your professionalism, integrity, and humility, which are essential qualities for any successful entrepreneur. Remember, mistakes are not failures, but opportunities to learn and grow. As the famous quote by Henry Ford says, "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.

6. How to Avoid Aggressive and Unethical Behaviors?

One of the most important lessons that kindergarten teaches us is to respect others and treat them kindly. Bullying, whether physical or verbal, is a form of aggression that violates this principle and can have serious consequences for both the bully and the victim. Entrepreneurs who adopt bullying tactics in their business dealings may think they are gaining an advantage, but they are actually harming themselves and others in the long run. Here are some reasons why entrepreneurs should avoid being bullies and practice ethical behaviors instead:

- Bullying damages relationships. A bully may intimidate or coerce others into doing what they want, but they will not earn their trust or loyalty. This can lead to resentment, conflict, and loss of reputation among customers, partners, employees, and investors. On the other hand, an entrepreneur who treats others with respect and fairness will build strong and lasting relationships that can benefit their business in many ways.

- Bullying hurts innovation. A bully may stifle or discourage the creativity and input of others, especially those who have different opinions or perspectives. This can limit the potential for innovation and problem-solving, which are essential for any successful business. An entrepreneur who welcomes diversity and encourages collaboration will foster a culture of innovation and learning that can help their business grow and adapt to changing needs and markets.

- Bullying backfires. A bully may think they are powerful and invincible, but they are actually vulnerable and insecure. They may face legal, financial, or reputational risks if their actions are exposed or challenged. They may also lose their motivation, passion, or vision if they rely on fear and coercion rather than passion and purpose. An entrepreneur who acts ethically and responsibly will avoid these pitfalls and enjoy greater satisfaction and fulfillment in their work.

7. How to Foster Innovation and Joy?

One of the most valuable skills that entrepreneurs can learn from kindergarten is how to have fun and be creative. In a world where competition is fierce and innovation is essential, having a playful and curious mindset can help entrepreneurs discover new opportunities, solve problems, and create value. Moreover, having fun and being creative can also foster joy and well-being, which are important for personal and professional growth. Here are some ways that entrepreneurs can apply the kindergarten principles of having fun and being creative to their ventures:

- experiment with different ideas and approaches. Just like kindergarten children who try out different materials, tools, and methods to create something, entrepreneurs can also experiment with various possibilities and test their assumptions. Experimentation can help entrepreneurs learn from failures, iterate on feedback, and find the best solutions for their customers. For example, Airbnb experimented with different ways to improve their listings, such as hiring professional photographers, creating video tours, and offering personalized recommendations.

- Collaborate with others and learn from them. Kindergarten children often work together on projects, share their ideas, and learn from each other. Entrepreneurs can also benefit from collaborating with others, such as co-founders, mentors, partners, and customers. Collaboration can help entrepreneurs leverage diverse perspectives, skills, and resources, as well as build trust and rapport. For example, Dropbox collaborated with other companies, such as Samsung, Microsoft, and Adobe, to integrate their service into various platforms and devices.

- Embrace challenges and have a growth mindset. Kindergarten children are not afraid of challenges, but rather see them as opportunities to learn and grow. They are also open to feedback and willing to improve their skills. Entrepreneurs can also embrace challenges and have a growth mindset, which means believing that they can develop their abilities through effort and learning. Having a growth mindset can help entrepreneurs overcome setbacks, adapt to changes, and achieve their goals. For example, Netflix embraced the challenge of transitioning from DVD rentals to online streaming, and continuously improved their service and content to meet customer needs.

- Celebrate successes and appreciate others. Kindergarten children celebrate their achievements, no matter how big or small, and appreciate the contributions of others. They also express their gratitude and happiness to their teachers, parents, and friends. Entrepreneurs can also celebrate their successes and appreciate others, which can help them boost their morale, motivation, and confidence. Celebrating successes and appreciating others can also help entrepreneurs build positive relationships, foster loyalty, and attract more customers. For example, Zappos celebrated their success of reaching $1 billion in annual sales by throwing a party for their employees, customers, and partners, and also sent thank-you cards and gifts to them.

8. How to Network and Build Relationships?

One of the most valuable skills that you can learn from kindergarten is how to make new friends. As an entrepreneur, you need to network and build relationships with different people, such as potential customers, partners, investors, mentors, and peers. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or sending cold emails. It is about creating genuine connections and trust with others who share your vision, values, and goals. Here are some tips on how to network and build relationships like a kindergarten kid:

- Be curious and open-minded. Kindergarten kids are naturally curious and eager to learn new things. They ask questions, listen attentively, and show interest in others. They are not afraid to approach someone they don't know and start a conversation. As an entrepreneur, you should adopt a similar mindset and attitude when networking. Don't judge people by their appearance, title, or background. Be willing to learn from anyone and everyone. Ask open-ended questions, such as "What are you working on?" or "What are you passionate about?" and listen actively to their answers. Show genuine interest and appreciation for their work and achievements.

- Be generous and helpful. Kindergarten kids are not selfish or stingy. They share their toys, snacks, and ideas with others. They help each other out when they are in need. They don't expect anything in return. They are just happy to make others happy. As an entrepreneur, you should also be generous and helpful when networking. Don't think of networking as a transactional exchange of favors or resources. Think of it as a way of adding value and making a positive impact on others. Share your knowledge, insights, and feedback with others. Offer your assistance, referrals, or introductions when you can. Don't expect anything in return. Just be grateful for the opportunity to help and contribute.

- Be authentic and honest. Kindergarten kids are not fake or dishonest. They don't pretend to be someone they are not. They don't lie or exaggerate. They are true to themselves and their feelings. They express their opinions and emotions openly and respectfully. As an entrepreneur, you should also be authentic and honest when networking. Don't try to impress others with your credentials, achievements, or connections. Don't lie or exaggerate about your work, goals, or challenges. Be yourself and be comfortable with your strengths and weaknesses. Express your opinions and emotions openly and respectfully. Don't be afraid to disagree, challenge, or compliment others. Be humble and confident at the same time.

9. How to Apply Kindergarten Ethics to Your Business and Life?

As we have seen, the ethics of kindergarten can be applied to the world of entrepreneurship in many ways. By following the simple rules of sharing, caring, and playing fair, entrepreneurs can create value, build trust, and foster collaboration. In this section, we will explore how these principles can also benefit your personal and professional life. Here are some tips on how to apply kindergarten ethics to your business and life:

- share your knowledge and skills with others. Whether it is mentoring a new employee, teaching a workshop, or writing a blog post, sharing what you know and can do can help others grow and learn. It can also establish your credibility, expand your network, and open up new opportunities. For example, if you are an expert in web design, you can offer to help a local non-profit organization with their website, or create an online course for aspiring web designers.

- Care about the people you work with and for. Showing empathy, compassion, and respect to your colleagues, customers, and partners can make a positive difference in your work environment and relationships. It can also improve your well-being, productivity, and satisfaction. For example, if you are a leader, you can show care by listening to your team's feedback, recognizing their achievements, and supporting their growth.

- Play fair and follow the rules. Being honest, ethical, and responsible in your business dealings can help you avoid conflicts, lawsuits, and reputational damage. It can also enhance your reputation, attract loyal customers, and foster long-term partnerships. For example, if you are a seller, you can play fair by delivering quality products, honoring your promises, and providing excellent customer service.