Blog warning: Rant Ahead. This BHA is so weary of companies who turn us into a numbers game. I realize it’s an employer’s market – but what happened to ETHICS? What happened to valuing talent and commitment? What happened to supporting the little ape in your neighborhood? All of these seemed replaced by a mindset that minimalizes good work and creativity for the bottom line, or worse – giving in to quotas or slimy apes who abuse the “corporate compliance” system. It’s disgusting. It’s wrong. It’s unhealthy and the only way to change it is by a ground level movement from “We the Apes” (no matter where you live).

Around the world apes of all sizes and shapes are struggling. We are trying to find ways to support our tribe and community and feel totally un-empowered. Quite frankly this sucks. Somehow with all our technology and innovation we’ve lost site that our leaders work for US. When they screw up – we should be shouting, loud and long and hard until we’re heard. Unfortunately however, in recent history that “shouting” has turned into quiet grumping until the next election (followed by a knee jerk reaction thinking the other “party” will somehow fix what no one else has for year after year).

We need fresh ideas. We need ethical apes in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately the current systems in many nations support corruption, back-patting, pocket-lining, all while ignoring that average Jo or Jane are HURTING. Hell, so long as you’ve got your Kobe, yacht, Jag, a souped up Tire Swing, and groupies – what do the “commoners” matter. Feel insulted by that statement – look in the mirror. You’re part of the problem. It’s like Feudalism all over again but “prettied” up and marketed so the unwitting ape buys into it. Hey, why fight it – it’s all good, right? NOPE. Wrong answer.

Now if you’re nodding while reading this blog, which I understand is totally controversial, you may be asking – what can I do? A lot depends on where you are and your situation, but first and foremost support local business. Don’t go to the big guy when you have an extra buck or two to give to the store on your block (or just down the way). Community building is very important. Get to know your neighbor (remember talking over the fence… or no fence at all?). Get to know local businesses and find out how you can work with them and help each other.

Secondly get vocal and stay involved. Be it online or in your community, make your voice matter. The more people you gather and inspire the better. Even if you don’t see yourself as a leader, find someone who IS, and who wants to make a change for the better.

Third, educate yourself on issues close to your heart. Find out what’s happening on Federal and State levels including initiatives, protests, polls, surveys, and petitions. Hop on those that help.

Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, do not give up your ethics to the system. At the end of the day you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and sleep with your approach to business and life. Sometimes you simply cannot stay silent, nod and comply. That kills your spirit and turns people into automatons. I don’t think anyone really wants that. Be unique, be YOU, celebrate YOU and don’t let that person disappear in the sea of otherwise apathetic bodies.

There are many reasons I’m writing this today but the biggest one is that I see a space where everyday good-spirited apes and small businesses could make a HUGE change in their communities and the world by the way they work. Let’s bring back honest business – reasonable pay for good work, strong work ethics, strong business ethics. It sounds like such a small thing – but the trickle down effect is huge.