I recently offered a wallet-sized code of ethics to replace — or at least, mitigate — the bureaucratic system of rules, supervision and oversight that stifles initiative and deadens workers’ spirits. The ethical guides were simple:
I will:
· Do my best at work
· Avoid conflict of interest
· Speak truth to power
· Be a good citizen
· Shun any private gain from public employment
· Act impartially
· Treat others the way I would like to be treated
· Report waste, fraud, and corruption
When in doubt, my test is can I explain my actions to my mother or to my child.
Many people are hungry for this sort of simple, straightforward guide and have asked me how they can introduce such a tool in their organizations. Here’s what to do next:
· Decide on your organization’s principles of ethical behavior.
· Print wallet-size cards (plastic is best) and hand them out like crazy.
· Teach: look for coachable moments to align people with the principles.
First, what’s right for your organization? Chances are the code isn’t exactly right for you. Give the workers a chance to own the code. Announce that you’re in the market for a new code of ethics that can fit on a wallet-size card. Offer a $100 prize (your $100!) for the best one submitted, and (more…)
Ethics Bob 