Leadership Skills

Work Ethic

Ethics, in general, have to do with values, morals, and rules. Ethics is about right and wrong behaviors based on individual or cultural norms. Unfortunately in today's global society, the lines between right and wrong can, at times, be blurry. There are many different perspectives about ethical approaches, and a situation can viewed as both ethically right and ethically wrong depending on the viewpoint.

Business ethics are focused on these five areas:

• Fulfilling an organization's purpose. This includes adhering to the organization's mission, vision, goals, and strategic plan..
• Being socially responsible. Sustainability is often mentioned as being socially responsible. This has to do with an organization being responsible for the environment, people's health, and their use of technology.
• Remaining financially responsible. This means that employees will use standard accounting and reporting practices, resist temptations from insider trading and kickbacks, and use an organization's funds wisely.
• Maintining appropriate employer-employee relationships. This would ensure a safe working environment that includes non-discrimination, adherence to employee labor laws, and procedures to ensure non-harassment.
• Marketing fairly and honestly. Organizations must ensure that they represent themselves and their products and services fairly. This includes pricing, labeling, advertising, and marketing strategies.

Your Ethics

Your ethics come from your values, and they are learned over time from your parents, family, peers, and friends. Ethics are also constructed based on your religion, culture, and education. Your ethics are:

• The rules by which you live
• What you believe
• How you react when your beliefs are challenged
• Constructed over time (they can change)
• Your measuring stick for right and wrong behaviors

Work Ethics

Your work ethic brings your ethics into the workplace and is your guide for how to behave in alignment with your organization's ethical code of conduct. Your work ethic also includes your attitude towards work and the organization as well as your feelings about quality and effort. Some things to consider:

• What are your values? Know and understand your top 5-10 values. (If you have not assessed your values, you should learn what matters to you and why.)
• What are your company's values? Those will be found in their mission, vision, goals, and strategic plan.
• Where are the alignments between yours and your company's values? (If there are none, it is not a good fit.)

Your Highest Aspiration

In your life, but especially related to work, what is your highest aspiration: 1) popularity, 2) knowledge, 3) fame, 4) integrity, or 5) wealth? Your highest aspiration may cause you some ethical dilemmas. What might a person do to be popular, complete a degree, achieve fame, or acquire wealth? If your highest aspiration is anything but integrity, consider how you may be persuaded to make compromises. In order to maintain your integrity, here's what you can do:

• Know your values
• Know your beliefs
• Know where your boundaries are
• Know where your line between right and wrong lies
• Ask what you will accept without compromising your integrity