Cowboy Ethics

This book was loaned to me by a person engaged in overseeing ethical considerations in medical testing. Given my interest in ethics in the software industry, I found this book fascinating. I've ordered my own copy. James Owens has written a book that can be applied far beyond his target of the financial world. ALL PEOPLE of all nationalities and persuasions should read and embrace this book. As James says several times, it's easy to tell the difference between Right and Wrong. Embracing the ten principles, and especially "Do What Has to Be Done", can lead us to a much improved world.

This is a great "coffee table" book, though it is in paperback. It is not meant to be read like a book, but to be flipped through time and time again. The photographs are outstanding; world famous. The "Cowboy Ethics" are simple, straight forward, and are meant to cause some thought. There are numerous quotes in the book from classic western authors and actors to back up the "ethics". Leave this book on top of a desk in any business office, and it will definitely leave the reader with some new thoughts as they head to the water cooler...

I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered the book. Upon receiving it, I couldn't put it down. This book is a full dose of downhome cowboy common moral sense combined with stuningly beautiful western photography. The book was purchased as a gift for a real cowboy friend of mine. This man who made much of his living on the back of a horse opened the book, paged through it and put it down. Within a minute or so, he picked the book up and paged through it again. He was hooked! The traditional wisdom and astonishing photography makes this book something you want to give your children and best friends. If you have any doubts look to the end of the book at the photo of the mounted cowboy carrying a calf in a snowstorm. If that doesn't sell you, nothing will.

This is a winning combination - gorgeous photography coupled with pragmatic advice. After 25 years in the brokerage/investment banking business, I was pleased to find an author whose feet were planted firmly in the rich, fertile soil of responsibility, ethics and honesty. There are many temptations in the fast and furious world of stocks and bonds; James P. Owen provides a well-written and sensible path through the wilderness. The linkage between the cowboy and the broker is a straighter line than many would imagine. Owen leads directly to the heart of some of the most pressing issues facing financial services professionals today. This is an outstanding read; I highly recommend it.

This book was inspiring! Having spent two decades in the investment management industry, the author's call for a return to common-sense, ethical principles of behavior couldn't have come at a better time. If all of us would operate according to his 10-part Code of the West, our clients, our firms and our industry would be much better off. Plus, Mr. Owen's entertaining writing style and Mr. Stoecklein's breathtaking photographs made it an absolute pleasure to take in this very important message.