Good People Summary

Goodness in a person’s soul outshines skills on a resume. So why do businesses prioritize one over the other when it's clear that values drive genuine success?

1. Redefining Goodness in the Workplace

Goodness in corporate settings often gets reduced to skills or productivity. However, this book argues that true goodness lies in personal values like integrity, empathy, and reliability. While expertise matters, no skill can compensate for poor character.

Businesses often assess employees based on measurable qualities such as knowledge or technical proficiency. Interviews and appraisals typically overlook moral values, assuming they are less relevant. Yet, these values determine how people treat one another and uphold the company’s culture.

A values-driven workplace gains more resilient teams and better outcomes. When values like honesty and teamwork form the foundation, people invest wholeheartedly in shared goals, and relationships flourish under mutual respect.

Examples

• A job interview focused on past experiences rather than core principles
• WD-40 Company’s values-driven mentorship program, resulting in a 96% approval rating for managers
• High staff loyalty in companies prioritizing moral alignment over mere productivity

2. The Good People Mantra: A Playbook for Actions

The "Good People Mantra" outlines five rules that guide moral behavior and define goodness within relationships and organizations. It argues that goodness is not only achievable—it’s actionable.

The first step is putting people above profits or ideas, refocusing priorities on human relationships. Next, help individuals grow into the best versions of themselves. This begins with valuing who someone is, not just what they can do. Third, practice balance and realism—idealistic dreams matter but work best when balanced by pragmatic actions. Fourth, center goodness consistently in daily conduct, regardless of how small the task.

By internalizing these principles, we inject morality into decision-making and interactions. These guidelines encourage patience, fairness, and a focus on values beyond profit.

Examples

• Harvard professor Georges Doriot’s belief that a team’s composition matters more than bold ideas
• A Zappos HR policy blending idealists with doers for team balance
• Everyday actions like listening to feedback or supporting a struggling colleague

3. The Truth Cornerstone: Building on Honesty

Truth forms the base of the "Goodness Pyramid," described as essential for moral clarity and authenticity. Without honesty, goodness crumbles. Truth requires self-awareness, integrity, and humility.

Being truthful begins with personal understanding. We need self-awareness to gauge strengths or flaws, staying grounded in reality. Humility allows individuals to listen to others, fostering empathy and equitable decisions. Integrity aligns actions with stated beliefs to bridge gaps between words and actions.

Benjamin Franklin famously practiced integrity through reflection. By measuring his adherence to set principles daily, he modeled an actionable way to live true values.

Examples

• Jim Collins recognizing humility as vital for corporate leadership in Good to Great
• Writing or journaling as a self-awareness boosting tool
• Franklin’s daily practice of rating himself on fulfilling his moral values

4. Compassion: Selflessness at the Core

Truth remains foundational, but compassion elevates it. This central tier of the Goodness Pyramid focuses on understanding others’ perspectives, being kind, and acting in a way that helps people feel valued.

Businesses often see compassion as incompatible with success. However, treating employees and customers with empathy leads to better results. Compassion begins with openness—being receptive to others’ ideas without judgment. Empathy allows us to see coworkers not as cogs but people with goals, fears, and joys.

Generosity, the third pillar of compassion, creates win-win situations. Instead of hoarding credit or resources, giving liberally builds trust and unites teams in common purpose.

Examples

• JetBlue CEO David Neeleman’s empathetic public apology after Valentine’s Day flight delays
• Practicing the “24x3 Rule” by taking extra time to evaluate someone else’s idea fairly
• Generous collaboration among med students, as found in Adam Grant’s Give and Take

5. Wholeness: The Pinnacle of Goodness

At the pyramid’s top is wholeness—striving to lead a purpose-driven life infused with respect, wisdom, and love. It’s not simply achieving perfection but embodying growth and harmony along the way.

Wholeness starts with love—not romantic affection, but genuine care for the well-being of those we work and live with. Respect follows, for others and for oneself. Finally, wisdom allows us to see a situation fully, appreciating different viewpoints and navigating challenges wisely.

Striving for wholeness means building enduring connections and cultivating understanding even when differences arise.

Examples

• Kevin Roberts’ idea that brands like Saatchi should create “Lovemarks” instead of relying on stale branding tactics
• JetBlue’s respectful response to handling customer dissatisfaction during crises
• Warren Buffet’s wisdom in making long-term, steady investments despite criticism

6. Balancing Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Vision

Instant gratification often drives business decisions. However, prioritizing immediate results sacrifices meaningful future growth. Goodness requires patience to see long-term goals through.

This tension is best addressed by recognizing when a focus on short-term profits derails the bigger picture. By mentoring others or strategically delaying gratification, businesses build trust and lasting impact.

Examples

• Warren Buffett’s decision not to invest in short-lived dot-com trends in the late 1990s
• Mentorship programs that prioritize personal development over immediate training outcomes
• CEOs sticking to core values, even under immense quarterly pressures

7. R.I.S.E: A Framework for Ethical Decisions

The R.I.S.E framework offers four steps to navigate tensions intelligently and make thoughtful decisions. Start by recognizing the situation clearly. Next, internalize it, exploring outcomes and consequences deeply. Share perspectives with others to bring clarity and resolve. Finally, execute with conviction.

These steps allow decision-makers to move from impulsive responses to well-rounded judgments. They also help leaders anchor their choices in long-term goodness rather than momentary gains.

Examples

• Singapore’s cautious leadership under Lee Kuan Yew in planning national development
• Business teams analyzing future impacts before acting on decisions
• Writing down reflections for better insight and accountability

8. Mentorship Rooted in Values

A great mentor does not simply pass down skills—they inspire values. The book encourages leaders to balance hard skills with teaching virtues like honesty and compassion.

The quality of connection matters most in unlocking a mentee’s potential. By avoiding surface-level conversations and focusing on genuine advice, mentorship becomes a transformative experience.

Examples

• Asking mentees targeted, authentic questions, such as “What will you change tomorrow?”
• Leaders showing humility to model vulnerability and growth
• Replacing phrases like “How are you?” with deeper inquiries for better communication

9. The Value of Practicing Goodness Consistently

Goodness loses meaning when performed inconsistently. The book highlights how small, daily acts that align with core values create authenticity.

Good leaders model goodness as a way of life rather than in isolated situations. This inspires teams to follow through with the same values. Done genuinely, this process also encourages self-improvement.

Examples

• Benjamin Franklin’s consistent journaling on integrity
• Setting team rituals that reinforce compassion and collaboration daily
• Zappos prioritizing work culture even in challenging business conditions

Takeaways

1. Reflect daily on your integrity, values, and actions using a journal or checklist, inspired by Benjamin Franklin.
2. Practice active, empathetic listening by intentionally asking meaningful questions without filling space with routine phrases.
3. Foster long-term thinking in decision-making. Be patient in building goodness-focused relationships, personally and professionally.