Winners Never Cheat: Everyday Values We Learned as Children

by Jon M. Huntsman Sr.

This is the eBook version of the printed book. Next time someone tells you business can't be done ethically -- corners must be cut, negotiations can't be honest -- hand them Jon Huntsman's new book. He started with practically nothing, and made it to Forbes'list of America's Top 100 richest people. Huntsman's generous about sharing the credit, but in the 21st century, he's the nearest thing to a self-made multi-billionaire. Now, he presents the lessons of a a passionate, inspirational manifesto for returning to the days when your word was your bond, a handshake was sacred, and swarms of lawyers weren't needed to back it up. This is no mere it's a practical business book about how to listen to your moral compass, even as others ignore theirs. It's about how you build teams with the highest values, share success, take responsibility, and earn the rewards that only come with giving back. Huntsman's built his career and fortune on these principles. You don't live these principles just to 'succeed': you live them because they're right. But in an age of non-stop business scandal, Huntsman's life proves honesty is more than it's the biggest competitive differentiator.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Leadership, Biography, Inspirational, Personal Development

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2005

About the author

Jon Meade Huntsman, Sr. was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder and executive chairman of Huntsman Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals. He was the father of Jon Huntsman a former United States Ambassador to Singapore, China, and (as of 2017) Russia and a former Governor of Utah .

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon M. Huntsman clearly states the value of being fully ethical, and fully moral regardless of whether a shadier course is legal. It doesn't matter if it is legal. What matters is morality.

Clearly written, and an easy read it is a great reminds of the virtues taught by the major religions of the world. Sprinkled in are a few examples from his life, some painful, always instructive.

[Märt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise to-the-point statement of human decency and ethical behaviour in business and life by one of America’s most generous (and unknown) billionaires.

He backs up his points by a lifetime of experience rather than science, bringing numerous examples when sticking to an ethical higher ground was costly in a short term (e.g. he shook hands on selling a business for $50M but by the time of the last signature he could have asked for $100M) but how it would always pay off in the long term (e.g. he is now in great and profitable relationships with the people and the companies that he sold to, having made the money back several times).

My bookmarked takeaways:
- Everything we need for today’s business and life we learned as kids (hopefully): be tough, be competitive, give it all you have but do it fairly
- Problem with society nowadays: success seems more important than how one obtains it?
- A key attribute of leaders is decisiveness, so leaders need to surround themselves with candid subordinates not afraid to bring the “painful” news so leaders can course-correct
- Kick "lawyer dependancy" in dealings. Lawyers should have the second opinion, yours is the first and the last. Trust, accept responsibility and stand by your word. But also deal only with people who have integrity
- Hire your team to have the same values as you. When interviewing, the author is only checking for demonstrations of integrity, commitment, courage
- Holding a grudge is unhealthy and unproductive. He brings several examples of top businessmen who dwelled on revenge and paid for it. Getting even is a form of self-pity. Accept what has happened and move on in positive and dignified way.
- When things go bad, let your feelings come out. Make your reaction fast, furious and finite (since it also stresses those around you)
- Work out your feelings. Obsessing on grudges keeps them alive, forgiveness forces them to die
- Final remarks at a funeral reveal a great deal about our deceased. What will be said in your eulogy Wealth or grades will not be mentioned, but rather "How did the departed hold others?" at home, at work, in the community
- The equivalent of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" exists in every major religion
- Financially successful should share their bounty with employees and society. You did not get here alone. Pay it forward.
- Run a company like a fully-committed family business. Take responsibility. Your name is on the door
- There should be no tension between profits and decency / fairness
- The 6 "Fs": family, faith, fortitude, fairness, fidelity, philanthropy

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, first and foremost, there is nothing extraordinary here, this book is everything that should be expected in any successful business. I love that Huntsman stated multiple times that there should not be a difference between home, business, church, and just who you are period! Who you are should be the same, no matter the situation.

I actually took some pictures of a few of the pages within this book, I want to quote specific paragraphs:

"...Real leadership demands character.

Leadership is found in all walks of society: business, political, parental, athletic, military, religious, media, intelletual, entertainment, academic, and so forth. In every instance, leadership cannot exist in a vacuum. By definition, it requires others, those who would be led-and seldom are they a docile group.

Effective, respected leadership is maintained through mutual agreement. Leadership demanded is leadership denied. Leadership is not meant to be dominion over others. Rather, it is the composite of characteristics that earns respect, results, and a continued following.

Leadership demands decisiveness and that is why it is absolutely critical that leaders know the facts. To ensure that critical information and solid advice reaches them, leaders must surround themselves with capable, strong, competent advisors-and then listen.

Unfortunately, many companies and organizations are led by executives who fear bold, candid, and talented subordinates. They seek only solicitous yes-types. They embrace adulation, not leadership...

It also matters that top leaders have experience. In times of crises, experience counts...

Leaders must show affection and concern for those under their responsibility. Those who would render loyalty to a leader want to know they are appreciated..."

I completely agree with this!!! I obviously need to read this more often to just remind myself what I should be doing everyday, no matter the time, no matter the place. If every business had leaders that did this and treated their employees with true appreciation, I doubt the attrition rates would be so high in much of the business world today.

[Levi Shaner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skimming and reading a few passages, I can’t bring myself to read the book. It’s a good message I think, but falls short of any depth or passion; he says merely, “honesty is good because it is moral.”

But so-called morality can be used to rationalize all kinds of violence; the word and the thing is meaningless, and can be a mere game played outwardly by cheaters and abusers. This is a self-conscious espousing of the same empty cliché moral slogans we have been repeating mechanically for years and years, which have clearly not improved our society.

In this book these slogans are supported with mere snippets of anecdotes, vague and inarguable blanket statements with little meaning, or vaguely applicable short quotes from already well-known and labored sources. My God, it’s so childish!

Or he is endlessly aggrandizing himself as some grand vessel of the morality he is espousing, and telling how it benefitted him in some way, which is clearly no ethical behavior at all: it is completely rooted in self-centeredness!

What results is a superficial, dull, itchy, pretentious and completely ineffective treatment of a very important subject. If our “moral compass” is innate, or as he claims (even worse if it were true) provided by our conditioning, there is no need whatsoever to read this book which is full of vague statements, empty commands and Mr. Huntsman’s self-aggrandizement.

One needs only to look inwardly, to see what actually is, and if one is intelligent, sensitive, and truly compassionate, then the ethical action will naturally take place. But one cannot see anything clearly if one is following empty advice clumsily given by an unclear teacher!

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a surprisingly excellent read. It started relatively slow but once Jon M. Huntsman Sr. starts talking about his own experiences and how he put in application his values, my attention was conquered. It's a book you leave full of hope, love and entrepreneurial spirit. Definitely on my #to-re-read-regularly list.

[Lacey Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and picked it (mostly) because I see the Huntsman name everywhere in Utah, but didn't really know much about them. Easy read, and I enjoyed hearing Hunstman's first-hand account of his life. Many of his personal philosophies align with my own about integrity and what it means to be successful.

[Dan Jenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any current or future business owner. This book will make you want to be a better employer and person in general. It's inspiring to see the humility and goodness in one of the world's richest men.

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an inspiring book. Reading it was pleasant.

[Dustin Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. But I'm guessing the people who most need to read it, never will.

[J. Scott Frampton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with lots and lots of good advice. Nothing really new here, but a good reminder of what good and honest living is. Righteousness…

[Ben Hegewald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Referral from Jonathan Rudd

[Darrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Keep in mind the old saying: 'Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from poor judgement.'"

Seeing an endorsement from Dick Cheney on the back cover, I naturally assumed the title to this book was ironic, but it turns out billionaire Jon Huntsman (not to be confused with his son former Utah governor Jon Jr.) means it. Like any self-help book, this offering is full of home-spun wisdom and common sense sayings all of us have heard hundreds of times before. Huntsman himself admits in the conclusion that "there is little in this book that is original."

There's good advise in here, but it's nothing new: don't be afraid of making mistakes because then you won't be taking risks, we all have a stake in each other's success, give generously, be honest, take responsibility, only break out your lawyers when you need them, listen to your advisors, treat others with respect, and don't dwell on thoughts of revenge.

His premise is that everybody naturally knows the difference between right and wrong and in order to succeed in both business and life, we just need to be moral. He does admit that his own success is partly due to lucky breaks and help from others which is why he's so set on giving back to the community.

The only interesting parts of this book are Huntsman's occasional references to his biography. From farm boy to business student, from soldier to a member of Nixon's white house, and from pauper to billionaire, Huntsman has lived an extraordinary life. Less cookie-cutter advise and more life experiences would have made this a more enjoyable read.

P.S. I have to admire the hutzpah of Neil Cavuto who promotes his own book, not once, not twice, but three times in his five page afterword as well as casually mentioning his own television program is "cable TV's most watched business show". You really have to hand it to a man who possesses completely no sense of shame whatsoever.

[Nancy Fuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this at the USU bookstore. In the book Jon Huntsman the author overcomes the notion that we see so much on television shows like the Apprentice and Survivor that tell us to win we must succeed at all costs, even if we deceive, use dishonesty or hurt others.

This book says otherwise. This book presents the notion that inside of all us there is something that tell us when we are approaching the boundary, when we are breaking the rules because we don't feel quite right about it.

Here are some points covered in the book:
Everything we need to know for today's marketplace we learned as kids in the sandbox. We are to play fairly

We know darm well what it right and what is wrong. We need to play by the rules.

We need to set the example by the three r's of leadership, rish, responsibility (the buck stops here so to speak) and reliability( people shouldn't wonder about what we believe they know we can be relied upon to do what is right)

Keep your word

surround yourself with associates who have the courage to say no and live by their moral compass

revenge is unhealthy and unproductive. learn to move on

graciousness is next to godliness. Treat your competitors, colleagues, employees and customers with respect

operate businesses and organizations as if they are family owned, remember your name is on the door.

You have the obligation to give back. Nobody is self made, return favors and good fortune

the bottom line is moral values are child's play not rocket science

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Huntsman is the chairman and founder of Huntsman Corporation, which was the largest privately held chemical company in the world prior to going public in 2005.

Jon built the business from a small operation in 1970 to what it is today, a multi-billion dollar firm. He built the organization based on solid moral principles that many of us believe are right and cna be done.

A handshake and promise is something to be kept. You should surround yourself with people who have and live the same ethics and value that you have. Giving back to the community and those less fortunate isn't a nice thing to do... it goes with being an American and a world citizen.

It'd be all too easy to write this off as simplistic platitudes that are easier said than done. But Huntsman has proven they do work, and there are numerous examples in the book that offer proof. He's an inspiring example to other business people who are trying to be on the same path as the one he chose.

The book is inspirational and very short. The writing style is a bit weak, the 4 star review is for the inspirational content from one leader to another.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I was expecting more from this book. I enjoyed the autobiographical sections dealing with Huntsman's poverty-stricken childhood and some of his business decisions, but I got a little tired of what felt like overly preachy material in the rest of the sections. Huntsman's rise to wealth says a lot about his character, and I felt that the sections explaining his moral philosophy detracted from the lessons of his life. I would have liked more about his parents and siblings, and even about his own children.

Maybe it was the long diatribe against lawyers early on in the book that prejudiced me against his writing style. In addition, Huntsman's advocacy of "handshake business" just seems irrelevant to today's complex society. Yes, it would be nice to go back to "the good ol' days," but unfortunately they are forever behind us. However, his emphasis on the need for greater integrity and on the responsibility we have to give back to society did ring true with me.

[Marek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very quick read...unless you're like me and can't read a lot at a sitting. Huntsman reminds us simply of the basic values we all learned as children and often forget as we live our everyday adult lives, especially as it pertains to business. However, the values he highlights and reiterates clearly can be used, and ought to be, in every setting whether that's our business/work lives, home lives, ecclesiastical lives, etc.

It's not necessarily deep, but he shares some stories from his personal/business life that highlights how you can win without cheating, and that in fact, winners don't cheat. This is a great reminder to everyone that living and breathing the values we learned as children don't have to go out the window. True success and happiness can and is achieved by valuing these basic and fundamental truths.

[Wellington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Huntsman is a self-made billionaire who shares his attitude toward life. It’s a simple, small book that reminds us of the largely unspoken but intuitively sensible rules of the playground that worked so well.

He speaks of living with honesty and generosity. He admits to not writing anything really new … just reminding us quietly of everyday values we knew as children. Now we are becoming a society led by greed for everything and fear of doing something wrong.

My faith in corporate and political America has been shaken a lot. It’s somewhat comforting to believe that there are actually people who have the courage to make a stand just so that they would be able to sleep peacefully at night.

[Dan-o · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to rate this book as it was full of great ideas that I fully subscribe to, but didn't contain anything new or particularly surprising. I would not likely read it again, but it was refreshing to hear a smashingly successful business man say that he cared more for his employees and their families than he did about business success - and then put his money where his mouth is. Jon Huntsman was a man who has done much good and hopes to die penniless. I'd say that should be a goal many of us should have.

Note: I was reading this on the plane and a woman coming out of Las Vegas said to me, "You reading one of those self-help books?" I had to smile as I told her it was a book on business ethics. Funny the perceptions people get!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Huntsman makes no claim to say that this book contains anything earth shattering and ground breaking. He points out that everything contained in the book relates to ideals that we forgot over the years in our pursuits of ambition and our immersion in the big bad world. But it was good for me to stop and be reminded of the basics: play nice in the sandbox, respect others, give as much as you get. A good book for anyone.

In the afterward it is noted that Mr. Huntsman is donating the proceeds of this book to his Huntsman Cancer Foundation. As a Huntsman Hometown Hero I felt guilty when I learned this, since my copy was given to me. I felt as though I had stiffed the organization I support. I guess I will go make a donation now...

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Huntsman has my complete respect. My expectations for this book were very different considering how polarized his principles are from the rest of the world. I was expecting a self help, alcoholics anonymous engagement that invites me to change my ways. At no time reading did I feel that I wanted to sit down and say "Hello, my name is spencer and I am a cheater and I can change" The book was more of a commentary that big business is full of slimy cheaters, and if you dont act like them then you should pat your self on the back.

My favorite story was from the last page where he gives a commencement speech. There he says "No exercise is better for the human heart than reaching down and lifting another up.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on honesty and ethical behavior. The message is simple and clear - do what is right. If you start to rationalize your decision (e.g., it was a verbal agreement; they know it's not an obligation until a contract is signed), you know you're going against your values but trying to justify it. The author follows this simple ideology and demonstrates that you can be both honest and successful. You don't have to pay bribes to create a billion dollar company. You don't have to have lots lawyers to draw up complicated contracts so each company can protect itself from other's unscrupulous behavior. The author Jon Huntsman Sr. gives many stories about winning without cheating.

[Peggy Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this author Jon M. Huntsman Sr. on a commercial for a cancer hospital in Utah so I googled him and read the widipedia story about his humble upbringing, lucky break getting into Wharton and now a rich capitalist that enjoys philanthropy. This is an excellent book on excellence.

The last chapter is on tithing and charitable giving. His philosophy in this area is that giving brings joy and happiness to the giver. And think about any volunteer work you have ever done or giving to a cause you support and can see results: has it not brought joy? He says, and I am liberally paraphrasing, that fundraising should be marketed about the fun and joy for the giver, then they are hooked.

Excellent book, would be great required reading. Oprah should have it in the book club!

[Carolee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I'd had the balls to give out a few copies of this to some of my bosses. But then I've worked mostly in a manufacturing environment - worst and most recently - a unionized company! This kind of philosophy needs people with brains and a conscience, and the automotive sector is still TOO full of Neanderthalic, knuckle-dragging, ass-kissing Yes-Men (and Yes-Women - in fact, you should see the shining examples of ineffective management I've witnessed!) But that's OK ... if you're anywhere near GM right now you can't help but hear the steady flushing & sucking of EVERYTHING going down the toilet. Me thinks I hear change on the horizon ... and it's about time.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book that reminds us of true values and the worth of keeping our morals and ethics high. I didn't know anything about Jon Huntsman other than he is a billionaire and had already promised on giving everything away when he dies but I am incredibly impressed and inspired by his life. The book is a little deceptively simple and I found myself skimming through feeling like I already knew everything. It wasn't until I went back through afterward and making my summary of each chapter that I really came to respect and understand the wisdom of his words. Great read I look forward to giving my kids someday.

[Dayat · Rating 4 out of 5]

What separate this book from others motivational book is instead of written by academician/theorist it was written by a living example. Like what Huntsman write, to know what is right and what is not are the simple part, but to live in what you know need courage and strength. Huntsman writing is easy to follow and believable. He shared his personal experience in the bussiness world, wrote on honesty and power of giving. I love Huntsman quote, "Acceptable values are child's play, there are no rocket science". A very good read.

[Trevor Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, simple read. I didn't find much depth in this book. It was a bunch of catchy quotes that brushed the surface of the basic values that make a winner: the values we learned as young children. You know them: honesty, dedication, hard work, integrity, charity, etc.

I enjoyed reading this having seen how the author lives, though. He is a man that has lived by these values and really does care about them. Living these principles he has managed to still earn billions of dollars. His point is that you don't have to cheat to win. In fact, real winners are those who never cheat.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. It's simple and interesting to read, but the power of it comes from who the author is and what he stands for. It's not a nobel prize winner, but I love that it shows, like Larry King said about Jon Huntsman Sr., "Nice guys can finish first." If all corporations and CEOs were like him and lived by these principles, they'd never be villainised. It's worth the read simply for self-assessment of one's ethics and priorities.

[James Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish every CEO and businessman will read this book to remind them about the importance of applying ethical, honest and generous business practices. This world would be much different if more people were as honest and giving as Jon Huntsman Sr. While I'm slightly turned off by Huntsman's self-proclaimed benevolence and his perspective that charity shouldn't be voluntary I thought the overall message is wonderful.

[Samuel Lubell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book's other subtitle is a self-made billionaire speaks out on honesty and generosity.

The book makes Jon Huntsman into a paragon of living by his moral values and acting with integrity. I'm not so sure I believe that he always was right and that playing by the rules was the way in which he gained his billions. This book seems to follow the rags to riches style of Horatio Alger, but those works were fiction. I get the feeling this is a little too good to be true.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to hear this man speak. He is not only humble and honest, but a captivating orator and author. This is a quick read and one I would recommend re-reading. I found it refreshing to read something from one of the wealthiest men in the free-world that re-kindled my belief in mankind as inherently good.