Ethics…
 
Greetings dear friends & welcome to my world again this week. Over the last few months I continue to be amazed at the bullying & unethical attitudes highlighted in many areas on commerce. Most companies today have statements of values, & ethical conduct, yet when you survey many employees, they report these statements carry about as much weight in day-to-day conduct as the ink on the statement itself.

As an example, Enron was not the story of a few bad apples at the top of the pyramid. Enron could not have happened had there not been hundreds & even thousands of “good” people who stood by & said nothing when illegal practices were just beginning. It is at these moments the soul of a company is at risk ~ not when the later shocking errors emerge. If the culture is one where no one wants to offend, risk a confrontation, look naive, or seem “holier than thou” ~ the end result is inevitable. The culture will change ~ & for the worse.

So today friends I would like to consider two issues:                                                  1) Thinking about what truly makes a company ethical;   &                                         2) every question one askes demonstrates a willingness to be part of the solution in a company.

Firstly, let me debunk a myth about ethics. Ethical companies are not created by rolling out compulsory “Ethics Training” so everyone is aware of the standards expected of them. Everyone does this. And it tends to accomplish little more than reducing the liability of the organisation when an employee sells out. So how then, do you create a culture & strongly influence people to behave ethically? My thoughts would be by creating a culture where people hold crucial conversations with those who violate standards. Or even better, where people will challenge others when they even begin moving into grey areas.  

Secondly, if you find a way to tactfully, respectfully, & directly raise the perceived concern, you will provide others with an opportunity to examine the ethics of the situation. If you do it poorly ~ accusingly or self-righteously ~ you will likely provoke defensiveness which will shortcut others’ reflection on the ethical issue.  [1]

My understanding then is you do it with the right person, & do it in the right way, by ensuring you are meeting with someone who has influence. And preferably someone who has a reputation for openness ~ why make your crucial conversation any harder than it has to be?

Also, one should be sure to lead with the facts & not your story. If you draw some conclusions these may or may not be correct. So, as you lay out your concerns, strip out any “hot words” sounding as an accusation, or self-righteous, & simply describe what you think is happening, why you think it could reflect badly on the company, & then invite the other party to confirm or dis-confirm your assertions. Be open to other points of view ~ including other interests being served by current practices you do not understand or appreciate at present.

Finally, make sure they understand not just your content (the issue you want to raise), but also your intent (you care about the company & want to be part of helping it live up to its aspirations). Good luck, it is my experience we need to have these conversations & they are typically uncomfortable.

I hope my comments each week are helpful dear readers; & again, provide just an opinion, from my world. Thank you for taking the time to be with me, I hope my journey may encourage you also. This is Kenn Butler in Paradise, Nelson. With my best wishes for another week… I look forward to being with you all again soon.
 
 
 
www.kennbutler.com