Feature Article

 

Minding Your Moral Compass
 

E. Carol Webster, Ph.D. 
Copyright ©  2011
 

Bad ethics are bad for business so most companies are taking advantage of the public’s beleaguered acceptance of sweeping corporate layoffs to clean house. This usually takes care of the most flagrant violators, but some remain onboard who keep their head down while cutting corners or bending rules to boost the company’s profitability -- and their own wealth and success.  Don’t be one of them. Make sure your moral compass is intact.

Remember Your Home Training

Your basic sense of “right and wrong” comes from the lessons you learned while growing up. Your parents and family members set the firmest groundwork for this, exposing you to their principles and values, and to those important influences in the world around us that teach us how we are supposed to behave. They set the tone for the ethical standards that guide you through your life. Remind yourself of these early teachings and get yourself back on track if you’ve strayed. Your moral compass should guide you whether anyone is looking or not -- whether there is any worry of getting caught doing the wrong thing. YOU know it’s the wrong thing, so don’t get caught up in a culture of wrongdoing where either cash flow problems or too rapid growth flush you and the professional reputation you’ve worked hard to build down the drain.

 Learn From Others

Sometimes people display poor ethical behavior because their lifelong influences have not been on the side of right. If your basic philosophy in life is to “get over” and if your family and social network is proudest of you when you or they score a big rip off, then your moral compass will need a major course correction. If you recognize this, start associating with new people in new places so that you can change. This can be tough and you’ll probably need professional help, so seek coaching or professional therapy if you see that you’re not getting anywhere on your own. Spending more time interacting and conversing with those who embrace high ethical standards is a great start, so reach out and make some new connections today.

Accept that Your Private Life is Not Private

In today’s high tech world, not much is private anymore. This is especially true of your personal life – particularly if you have a high profile. And this doesn’t mean that you have to be a “celebrity.” Just being well known in your company, social circle, or other group qualifies you. If you engage in unethical or unscrupulous behavior, don’t be surprised when this becomes known by others and the news makes its way to your employer, business associates, or clients. So take care to comport yourself correctly even when “off duty”. But, again, don’t just control your behavior for fear of getting caught -- When your moral compass is working best, you do the right thing because you know it’s the right thing to do.

Ethical principles keep us on course and out of trouble. Remind yourself that your high standards have helped fuel your success, so surround yourself with those who move proudly through the world as you do – boasting a moral compass that lets you walk tall by day and sleep well at night.