We first read about the idea of sustainable values this morning in a NY Times article by Thomas Friedman.  Perhaps you’ve heard of this idea before.  Here is the quote from this article:

Dov Seidman, the C.E.O. of LRN, which helps companies build ethical cultures, likes to talk about two kinds of values: “situational values” and “sustainable values.” Leaders, companies or individuals guided by situational values do whatever the situation will allow, no matter the wider interests of their communities. A banker who writes a mortgage for someone he knows can’t make the payments over time is acting on situational values, saying: “I’ll be gone when the bill comes due.”

People inspired by sustainable values act just the opposite, saying: “I will never be gone. I will always be here. Therefore, I must behave in ways that sustain — my employees, my customers, my suppliers, my environment, my country and my future generations.”

Humans have been making music since 7000 BC (reference).  The creation of music doesn’t have much of a value judgment to it – an artist either creates it or doesn’t.  However, in the business surrounding music we have the opportunity to make these value decisions all the time.  It is good to remind ourselves why we are in this industry in the first place.  If you are reading this then most likely a love of music – the way it communicates and moves your soul – is the reason you got into this industry.  As music business people, our primary role is to serve our fellow humans by getting amazing music into their lives.  Next time you are faced with the opportunity to make a quick buck, consider how that decision relates to your core beliefs and the long-term career vision.  If the offer doesn’t fit,  ditch it.  You are in this for the long haul and it’s the long term that matters most.