Gentlemen’s Agreement
01/12/2012
Although today ‘’Gentlemen’s Agreement’’ is a pretty often used formula in the business landscape, only few people are familiar with the story of this term. The expression is known throughout history, as an informal agreement between the United States and the Empire of Japan, concerning immigration practices.
The definition for ‘’Gentlemen’s Agreement’’ is ’’Agreement, verbal pact, which does not have legal consequences, but rather moral obligations between the parts; agreement between men of honor.¨ International agreement in simplified form (verbally stipulated based on mutual trust)’’.
In business, there are countries where a verbal agreement between parts, a handshake, still has the value of a contract. The written document is used as a mere administrative measure. Nevertheless, the honor, the fulfillment of a promise is so important that failing to accomplish your part of the deal, is considered a disgrace.
Unfortunately, in our country, this type of agreement is rarely applied and it is usually confined to the business or professional areas. It so happens that you often start discussions with your business partner, you negotiate, you reach an agreement, but when it comes to putting the theory into practice, everything fails. The desire to gain profit, benefits by any means is turning us into something other than… men of honor.
I have always acted according to the promises I have made. I have grown used to working this way and I think it is normal for me to do my best and remain a man of honor, whenever I give my word to someone. I prefer not to make promises at all, if I’m not sure I can carry out the tasks I have undertaken.
Jean Jacque Rousseau said ‘Who is the slowest in making a promise is the most faithful in keeping it’’ and I do my best to use this quote as guidance for the tasks I accomplish day by day.
Failing to observe verbal agreements leads to a certain reputation, and in business, reputation is vital.
I know it is possible to stipulate contracts using just verbal agreements. The people I work with, or part of the people I have worked with have proved that to me; they’ve showed me that there are people for whom the given word still has value.
I like to think that you can build long-lasting partnerships that start with just a handshake, as long as you show trust, mutual respect and good faith.
There is but one condition that is, however, necessary – the agreement must be made between MEN OF HONOR.
For more information about my personal experiences with Gentlemen’s Agreements, feel free to at http://www.leonardmazilu.ro.
The definition for ‘’Gentlemen’s Agreement’’ is ’’Agreement, verbal pact, which does not have legal consequences, but rather moral obligations between the parts; agreement between men of honor.¨ International agreement in simplified form (verbally stipulated based on mutual trust)’’.
In business, there are countries where a verbal agreement between parts, a handshake, still has the value of a contract. The written document is used as a mere administrative measure. Nevertheless, the honor, the fulfillment of a promise is so important that failing to accomplish your part of the deal, is considered a disgrace.
Unfortunately, in our country, this type of agreement is rarely applied and it is usually confined to the business or professional areas. It so happens that you often start discussions with your business partner, you negotiate, you reach an agreement, but when it comes to putting the theory into practice, everything fails. The desire to gain profit, benefits by any means is turning us into something other than… men of honor.
I have always acted according to the promises I have made. I have grown used to working this way and I think it is normal for me to do my best and remain a man of honor, whenever I give my word to someone. I prefer not to make promises at all, if I’m not sure I can carry out the tasks I have undertaken.
Jean Jacque Rousseau said ‘Who is the slowest in making a promise is the most faithful in keeping it’’ and I do my best to use this quote as guidance for the tasks I accomplish day by day.
Failing to observe verbal agreements leads to a certain reputation, and in business, reputation is vital.
I know it is possible to stipulate contracts using just verbal agreements. The people I work with, or part of the people I have worked with have proved that to me; they’ve showed me that there are people for whom the given word still has value.
I like to think that you can build long-lasting partnerships that start with just a handshake, as long as you show trust, mutual respect and good faith.
There is but one condition that is, however, necessary – the agreement must be made between MEN OF HONOR.
For more information about my personal experiences with Gentlemen’s Agreements, feel free to at http://www.leonardmazilu.ro.
