Lately we’ve been bombarded with news of unethical business practices. It seems in challenging economic times, some business leaders resort to anything that will enhance the bottom line. What can we do as women in business to build a successful business and yet, retain our integrity? I say listen to mother, she had it right all along.
Your mother was right, treat others the way you would want to be treated. Follow the immortal words of Jiminy Cricket, Walt Disney’s character from the movie Pinocchio, “Let your conscience be your guide.”
Here are seven common sense ethical standards we should be applying to our day-to-day business dealings:
1. Be respectful.
Everyone deserves respect. You don’t have to agree with the other person’s point of view but, you owe them respect as a fellow human being. Respect yourself. The way you treat yourself is an open invitation for others to treat you the same way.
2. Be truthful.
Don’t lie because lies will always find a way to come back and haunt you. Own up to your mistakes, we all make them. It is easier to correct a mistake than to cover up a lie.
3. Be responsible.
If you say you are going to do something, do it. In the business world you are only as good as your word. Finish projects when you say you will, arrive at meetings on time and live up to your promises.
4. Be worth the money you are being paid.
I remember growing up listening to a man in our neighborhood bragging to his friends about how he’d hide from his bosses during work hours and watch television for half his shift. He was proud of putting one over on management. Not very responsible or ethical, is it?
5. Be a team player.
Follow the rules for the good of the team. I’m not saying that if something is illegal or immoral you should follow the rules blindly, I am saying that if you are part of a team, be a good and productive team player.
6. Be gracious.
When at work, never do anything you wouldn’t do in front of a prim and proper little old grandmother or you wouldn't want the world to see on Facebook - that means watching your actions, your words and your manners. It is also important to be a gracious winner and a gracious loser – no gloating and no pouting.
7. Be honest.
Taking a ream of copy paper from the office supply cabinet without permission for use in your home printer isn’t being honest. No matter how you spin it, you can’t justify stealing. If it isn’t legally yours, don’t take it.
I’ll say it again: In your business dealings and in your life, treat others the way you would want to be treated and let your conscience be your guide.
Sharon Recommends:
Here is a recently released paperback book Business Ethics for Dummies by Norman E. Bowie and Meg Schneider: Business Ethics For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
This book is also available in a Kindle edition - you can read more about the Amazon Kindle here: Kindle, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers
I was given this book to review but my opinions are solely mine. I am also an affiliate of Amazon.com and if you purchase through this link, I will earn a commission.
