Hollywood continues to provide us with important lessons. From movies to television to the real lives of some of our "heroes", we learn from their triumphs and mistakes. Recently the long awaited jury trial of Michael Jackson ended with his being found not guilty on all counts.

We all have strong feelings about situations like Jackson's as we do for any "heroes" that are accused of wrong doing and find themselves subjected to claims - whether valid or not - that would destroy most of us.

In this case, I think what troubles us are questions like, "If he were a common man, without millions to defend himself, what might have been the outcome?" Or, "If he were a common man, without those millions, would he have found himself in the same position, accused by the same type of people? And would a prosecutor have taken those claims seriously?"

We all Better Change and face these kinds of ethical challenges. As a member of Rotary Club they have a credo that is based on ethics. Other service organizations also encourage members to ask themselves questions like these five in their business or personal lives:

• Will it do harm?
• Will it make things better?
• Does it respect others?
• Is it fair?
• Is it compassionate?

By putting aside self-interest and greed and weighing the repercussions of our actions on those around us, we can answer these questions by drawing on our own beliefs and empathy. Our role is to create Better Change in ourselves and those around us, especially our employees and customers.

We must pretend that our mother is running the company. What would she think about our actions, activities, and attitude? She might point a finger and say: Better Change.

We must all tailor our ethics to the highest order of accountability. We all see examples of stretching the truth, doing something our mother would not approve of, and even lying to ourselves. Better Change.

We have to educate ourselves, by asking the five questions I listed above and giving ourselves honest answers. If we can't answer "no" to the first and "yes" to the rest, Better Change.

Regular readers know that I constantly refer to the major airlines as prime examples of what not to do. Most recently, Northwest stopped giving pretzels to passengers, American stopped providing pillows in coach class, and both of them tried to raise prices. Why do I bring this up in this subject? Because the same questions apply.

• Will it do harm?
• Will it make things better?
• Does it respect others?
• Is it fair?
• Is it compassionate?

What's next? Pay toilets? Airlines are trying to extract money at every level, cutting labor costs, but still paying some of the highest salaries in the world to management. Since they don't apply rational answers to the questions, we soon can expect an extra charge for using a credit card or $20 for seats with extra legroom or on exit aisles. Longer flights will soon see charges for "take home" pillows, slippers, and blankets. The more they squeeze their customers while ignoring their real problems, the worse their situation becomes. Better Change is needed.

Ethics guide our lives. While many will resist the premise that business is ethical, I can remember when true value was delivered and service with a smile was the standard, not the exception. As a child my father's "service" station pumped the gas, checked the oil, cleaned the windshield, and offered free mechanical advice. When I was seven I recall finding a wallet, calling the owner, and was offered a reward that I turned down because "my mother told me it was the right thing to do." Have we forgotten what the right thing to do is? Better Change.

As we head into the long Fourth of July weekend I want you to declare your own independence. The celebration of Independence Day means we are free. Free to change. Free to accept changes and free respond to change in a productive manner.

Start by changing the little things that can make a big difference. Take the time to take a walk with your spouse, significant other and family members. Find a moment to call someone that you've thought about but haven't spoken to in while. Call someone and tell him or her you are sorry for what you said, or did, or even did not do but wish you had.

Declare independence from your previous way of thinking and apply the five ethical questions to everything you do from now on. Then drop a note to your favorite airline, doctor, plumber, friend or relative and ask them to deal with you in an ethical manner that asks. . .

• Will it do harm?
• Will it make things better?
• Does it respect others?
• Is it fair?
• Is it compassionate?

Commit to Better Change for the rest of the year. Use the five questions as a roadmap. Then:

• Set challenging goals. Formulate goals that get the ethical answers to the five questions.
• Stay Focused. There are too many distractions in the world. Define the end results, then the path to get there is very clear.
• Focus your time and money. Time is money. Charge for your time and don't waste it on projects or people that don't regard its value.
• Be Different. Step out in front; the scenery is wonderful. Besides, if you are not the lead horse the scenery never changes.
• Be Ethical. Otherwise nothing else will matter. When in doubt, ask your Mother.

Declare your independence. Be ready for fireworks. Try it. Let me know how it works. We need to celebrate Independence Day, every day. Better Change.