Take Ethics Seriously Starting With Yourself!
07/01/02
Carol Bowie of the nonprofit Investor Responsibility Research Center talks about a string of corporate ethical nightmares that is unfolding daily in our news: "Every time we think all the dirty laundry is out and everybody has a picture of what reforms and strategies are needed to rebuild trust--boom, there's another scandal. I hope we've seen all of the different problems by now, but I'm not sure what to predict at this point."
Trust is a fragile asset, and many of America's corporate giants and those who regulate them are losing what trust they have at an alarming rate. Some have called it a "corporate crime wave" and the litany of executive malfeasance and corporate scandals continue to rock a very shaky recovery. The list of abuses just keeps expanding--WorldCom, Enron, Tyco, Rite Aid, Adelphia, Dynergy! The watchdogs like Arthur Andersen were either asleep or, worse, looked the other way while crimes were committed. As we look to July 4th and the anniversary of our country, we all need to be reminded that the freedom and prosperity we value must be balanced by a commitment to live our corporate and personal responsibilities. It is clear that many corporate values statements were left on the wall, and ethical guidelines were disregarded. The cost can be high! The lost investor and public trust that resulted from the corporate abuses that led to the stock collapse of 1929 took nearly four decades to gain back. It's time we all take this crisis seriously....and personally!
Every time you make a decision you represent your company. As a result, you are a guardian of the trust others have worked hard to achieve. Never sacrifice short term earnings for long term trust. Do your part to reearn trust every day by continuing to take a stand for what is right! Instead of waiting until your company is the subject of 20/20 or 60 Minutes, confront any "red flag" problems early. Hidden problems become big problems. Don't wait for others; speak up. Trust that most in your organization want to do what is right, and lead them to action. All it takes is one person to question the ethics or values in a decision to begin to shepherd others into more ethical actions.
Your question for the week: What can we do to make sure we are part of the answer instead of part of the problem in this crisis of capitalistic confidence?
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Today's mirthful moment focuses on the fact that ethical choices can sometimes bring a bit of humor along with them. Enjoy:
A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short on time and couldn't find a space with a meter. So he put a note under the windshield wiper which read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses." When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with a note: "I've circled this block for ten years. If I don't give you a ticket, I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."
The boss asked one of his new employees, "Do you believe in life after death?" "Yes, Sir!" the new recruit replied unsure as to why he asked. "Well, then, that makes everything just fine," the boss went on. "After you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother's funeral, she stopped in to see you."
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...