Look, look, there he is. Yeah, I see ‘em. Come on, let’s go – we gotta head him off before he gets back into his office. I’m gonna get him first…not before me! Today’s post will give you 5 questions that prove how ethical you really are.
As you walk the halls of your business the employees make obvious efforts to greet you and do their best to become “known”. They know just a mention of their name from “the boss” may lead to future opportunities. You wield power and prestige. Your decisions chart the course for the company and the employee’s careers.
With sound judgment, logical reasoning, and nerves of steel you’ve built this business to the powerhouse it is today. You’ve made great decisions.
But how ethical have your decisions been?
What is Ethical Leadership?
There are 2 kinds of leaders:
- One who mentors, coaches and brings out the best in others
- One who leads his/her company to success that’s built on the shattered hopes and dreams of others.
Which are you?
A few months ago a friend of mine shared a unique list of questions that must be asked when making business, or even social, decisions. These 5 questions focus on the underlying effect these decisions have on people.
These questions also drill down on you, the decision maker. How comfortable are you with these decisions?
Ethical Decisions
1. Is The Decision Legal?
It’s bad enough for you to do something illegal but to ask your employees to do the same is criminal. People want to do an “honest day’s work” for an honest day’s pay. Yes, that old fashioned phase is still appropriate today. So why should your employees put their future in jeopardy because you want to take illegal shortcuts?
2. Is The Decision Fair?
I must admit that I’ve used the term “life isn’t fair” many times. Can we even make a decision that’s fair to everyone involved? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe, maybe not! When developing a new procedure ownership/management has an obligation to assess the repercussions of the decision and ensure there’s no inherent bias or favoritism that will rear its ugly head later on. This leads to question 3…
Ethical Actions and Work Behavior
3. Does The Decision Hurt Anyone?
There are those who believe that the only way to be in a “favorable light” is to cast a shadow over others.
Do you even consider those around you when making decisions? Or do you intentionally disregard the potential negative repercussions?
Every decision will affect people differently, and some more than others. Using a method traditionally applied to training programs, the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) gives a better picture of how a decision touches others.
We must take this into consideration when weighing the pros and cons of our actions.
4. Have I Been Honest With Those Affected?
As long as we’re afraid to tell the truth, we shouldn’t be surprised by those that tell us lies.
Some decisions are difficult to make. Terminating an employee, breaking up with a partner, or relocating your family for a new job are some of the most difficult decisions we make.
We must use clear, concise, and accurate words when dealing with situations that make a change in the lives of others.
It’s so much easier to tell the truth, do you agree? No lies to remember, no made-up facts to string together and you’ll have a clear conscience.
5. Can I Live With My Decision?
As a leader my decisions affect others. Every action I take brings success or failure to those who’ve put their f
aith in me.
Being able to sleep well at night, knowing that my name is as good as the work I perform and the value I bring to my business means a lot.
Once we lose our integrity, our word & our values, what else is left but just a shadow of what could be.
