This Won't Surprise You

P.O Box 1540, Albany Western Australia 6331
Phone/Fax: (08) 98 418 418
E-mail: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

This Won't Surprise You
The discussion of ethics in the workplace continues. About 80 percent of all companies - regardless of size - have formal ethics policies. Seminars on the subject are offered frequently. Compliance officers watch for red flags. - Here is what the latest research shows: The example of an employer is the single-best way to create an atmosphere that fosters moral behaviour. Dr. Marshall Schminke, a professor of business ethics, recently stated that "a person's individual moral framework is only the third-most-important factor in deciding what they will do. The most important thing is what does their boss do?" He went on to say, "Workers look to their boss first for cues on what constitutes moral behaviour. Second, they look at their peers and finally at their own moral code. The boss, and by that I mean the immediate supervisor, has a huge impact on ethical behaviour." Friend, you've known that your entire life! It was your parents' example more than their lectures that taught you what was right and wrong. You reserved the word "hypocrite" for that deacon or Sunday School teacher who told lies, cursed when he smashed his finger, or told off-colour stories at work. You've always said the person you respected most was the one who walked the talk. Isn't that right? Well, the same thing you have learned about other people is also true of you. For all the people you touch with your life, they pay far more attention to who you are than to what you say. And the really powerful life is the one in which the saying and the doing line up with each other. So, whether you are the company's CEO, sales manager, receptionist, or caretaker, your personal integrity signals your expectations of others. Nobody who hears you fudge the truth or use a racial slur or take advantage of a client will ever feel obliged to avoid those behaviours in working with you. On the other hand, when you are seen to keep your word and treat others with respect, your very behaviour sets the tone for the actions of others. The truth is, whether it be talking on the phone with an unpleasant client, or reacting to someone who cuts you off in the church parking area, or casual conversation before your children at the dinner table - you reveal more by your routine and ordinary actions than by your formal declarations. You show your true self. You have your greatest impact. Oten in life we are encouraged to communicate with gifts-to "say it with flowers." Well, gifts may communicate our affection. But loving words, such as "thank you" and "I love you," wrap those gifts with warmth and gentleness which enrich the relationship. Friend, I think it is true to say that rules against darkness will never equal the power of a gentle ray of light. I hope you will enjoy a great day! -- If you would like to write to me with your comments or questions, I'd be pleased to hear from you. My address is: P.O. Box 1540, Albany, WA 6331. Phone/Fax: (08) 98 418 418. Email: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

The discussion of ethics in the workplace continues. About 80 percent of all companies - regardless of size - have formal ethics policies. Seminars on the subject are offered frequently. Compliance officers watch for red flags. - Here is what the latest research shows: The example of an employer is the single-best way to create an atmosphere that fosters moral behaviour.

Dr. Marshall Schminke, a professor of business ethics, recently stated that "a person's individual moral framework is only the third-most-important factor in deciding what they will do. The most important thing is what does their boss do?" He went on to say, "Workers look to their boss first for cues on what constitutes moral behaviour. Second, they look at their peers and finally at their own moral code. The boss, and by that I mean the immediate supervisor, has a huge impact on ethical behaviour."

Friend, you've known that your entire life! It was your parents' example more than their lectures that taught you what was right and wrong. You reserved the word "hypocrite" for that deacon or Sunday School teacher who told lies, cursed when he smashed his finger, or told off-colour stories at work. You've always said the person you respected most was the one who walked the talk. Isn't that right?

Well, the same thing you have learned about other people is also true of you. For all the people you touch with your life, they pay far more attention to who you are than to what you say. And the really powerful life is the one in which the saying and the doing line up with each other.

So, whether you are the company's CEO, sales manager, receptionist, or caretaker, your personal integrity signals your expectations of others. Nobody who hears you fudge the truth or use a racial slur or take advantage of a client will ever feel obliged to avoid those behaviours in working with you. On the other hand, when you are seen to keep your word and treat others with respect, your very behaviour sets the tone for the actions of others.

The truth is, whether it be talking on the phone with an unpleasant client, or reacting to someone who cuts you off in the church parking area, or casual conversation before your children at the dinner table - you reveal more by your routine and ordinary actions than by your formal declarations. You show your true self. You have your greatest impact.

Oten in life we are encouraged to communicate with gifts-to "say it with flowers." Well, gifts may communicate our affection. But loving words, such as "thank you" and "I love you," wrap those gifts with warmth and gentleness which enrich the relationship.

Friend, I think it is true to say that rules against darkness will never equal the power of a gentle ray of light.

I hope you will enjoy a great day! -- If you would like to write to me with your comments or questions, I'd be pleased to hear from you. My address is: P.O. Box 1540, Albany, WA 6331. Phone/Fax: (08) 98 418 418. Email: abl-alb@omninet.net.au