On Loyalty to Your Employer

We expect a lot from our employers. Fair wages, good benefits, opportunity for growth and development, and a satisfying work environment to name a few. Bur what is our obligation to our employer? What does employee loyalty look like? Caring about the product or service and not just the job. Sticking with the employer even in hard times. Resisting the temptation to job-hop for a few cents more per hour. Acting as an ambassador for the company’s line. Respecting the supervisors and co-workers. Treating the place as we would our own homes. Being good stewards of company property and equipment. Repeat this: Starting with me, loyalty in the workplace will work both ways. I will be supportive of my employer and my fellow employees. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Your Personal “Brand Promise”

In marketing terms, “brand promise” refers to the consistency of quality and experience a customer can expect. A company with a strong brand promise has a clear, definable character in the mind of the customer. What is your personal brand promise? One of the most often used self-descriptors I hear is, “person of integrity.” Integrity and integral come from the same root, which means entire and whole. Does your brand promise extend throughout all your dealings? Do people know what you value by how you act? Is your character consistent? Is their experience with you positive and satisfying? Repeat this: Starting with me, people will be able to depend on my actions being consistent with my beliefs – my personal brand promise. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Abuse of Employee Hours

There are legitimate, mission-critical reasons for employing part-timers, seasonal employees, etc., but there are many companies who hire and schedule with the express purpose of avoiding paying full-time wages, benefits, raises, bonuses, and so on. It’s easy to see that such practices cheat the employees. But companies that do it are also cheating the consumer because they are using less skilled, experienced and committed employees. They are cheating themselves because they are sacrificing quality, stability, and morale for short term savings. And it cheats the rest of us by flooding the economy with goods and services at unrealistic, untenable prices. Are you one of those companies? Repeat this: Starting with me, I will treat employees as the most important resource my company and industry have for building a future. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Doubling the Benefit

It was a regular theme at our house: “If you’re going upstairs, take a pile of laundry with you.” My folks always taught us to try to get a double benefit from anything we did. Do you take full advantage of your activity at work? An efficient food server drops off the check at one table on his way back from pouring coffee at another. A productive salesperson works on her database while on hold. Voice mail, e-mail and messaging makes it possible to check on communication while in the taxi on the way to a meeting. Repeat this: Starting with me, good stewardship of time will double my worth for myself, my employer, my customers and my family. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Doing Whatever it Takes

I polled a number of my clients and associates recently asking them, "What’s the most common ethical dilemma in your industry?" It boiled down to this: "Do whatever it takes to get the job."In some industries it was misrepresenting capabilities. In some it was promising one level of product or service and then switching to a lesser quality or quantity. In some it was low-balling bids and then charging extra for contract details. Many rationalize, “That’s just how you have to play the game.” If that’s true, then you are contributing to unethical (and maybe illegal) practices. Repeat this: Starting with me, quality, honesty and a fair price will be the standard for getting and keeping work. For more tips and information, visit http://www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Saying No to Coworkers

“You wouldn’t mind covering for me on Tuesday, would you, buddy? I’ve got tickets to the big game and I’m due some sick time, anyway.” What do you do when faced with this dilemma? Assuming you would mind or that you’ve got too much of your own work to do to cover for your “buddy,” what do you do? Just say, “No.” Here’s how. “You know, I have just got too much scheduled for me to consider covering for you. I’m sorry I can’t help you out and I have to say, ‘No.’” Worried that you might ruin a friendship? Don’t be. A true friend doesn’t put you in the position of jeopardizing your own job for him. Repeat this: Starting with me, our work place will be one of integrity and personal responsibility. For more tips and information, visit http://www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Saying No to Sales People

He looks once more at the telephone slip on his desk. The woman has called him three times since he met with her about her company’s product. He dreads telling her he’s not really interested. He pushes the slip aside, once again.

This scene repeats 1000s of times every day. Salespeople waste hours calling back prospects who are afraid to say, “No.” And those prospects endure a constant, nagging sense that they are doing wrong.

Just say, “No.” Save yourself stress and the salesperson time by being truthful about your intentions. Build relationships on integrity, not fear. Repeat this: Starting with me, salespeople will be treated with the same respect I expect from them. For more information go to http://www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Speaking Positively

Come on, I know you heard it from your parents or teachers: “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” That’s good advice with immense implications for ethical behavior. Speaking positively creates an atmosphere of hope, of safety, and of trust. These are all vital to being able to openly explore moral issues and our resulting behaviors. Where negative attitudes are the norm, people expect everything to be wrong. Negative talk seems constantly judgmental. Is that you? Is that your workplace? Stop it.

Repeat this: Starting with me, there will be a positive outlook around here. I will speak the good word.

On Projection – Taking Out Frustration on the Wrong Person

When I took psychology I learned that projection is transferring our feelings about one person onto another. Once a therapist identified projection, the patient could begin looking at the real target of emotions.

Why is that important to us in the workplace? We get upset with someone or something, but instead of dealing with it directly, we project our feelings somewhere else. The danger here is twofold. One is that the new target is getting dumped on unfairly. The other is that we never really deal honestly with the problem.

Repeat this: Starting with me, there will be honesty in the workplace. I will learn to deal directly and respectfully with my feelings.

On Self Centeredness

In the year 1530, Copernicus proved that the earth revolved around the sun. Preposterous! I know it revolves around me. At least that’s the way most of us behave. We tend to be very self-centered. How does that affect our behavior? We begin to think we are entitled. Others should respect me. I should make more money. My time should be more important than others’. We begin to act as if we were more important than anyone else. And that leads to unethical and immoral behaviors.

Repeat this: Starting with me, Copernicus will be a sobering reminder. I will see myself in proper perspective with regards to others.

On Turning the Other Cheek

We’ve all heard the old “turn the other cheek” philosophy, but does that make any sense in today’s world? Consider this familiar scenario. I’m driving along. A guy cuts me off. “He can’t do that!” I speed around him and hit my brakes. He tries to force me off the road. Et cetera. Had I simply “turned the other cheek,” countless headaches would have been avoided. I may have lost 3-5 seconds in my commute, but I’d be alive and less stressed. (And by the way, if I were honest, have I not done the same thing to someone else? If only accidentally?)

Repeat this: Starting with me, two wrongs will never make a right. I will not meet violence with violence.

On Situational Ethics

The term “situational ethics” suggests that the morality of an act is defined by the situation. One’s actions are either right or wrong depending on the circumstances. This is a philosophical issue way bigger than we can deal with here, but from a practical viewpoint, let me ask you: Are you comfortable with others making decisions involving you on what they think is right in that time and place? Decisions about your money? Your kids? Your faith? Your future? Think about it. It’s a constantly moving target.

Repeat this: Starting with me, the moral base for decisions must be clearly stated. I will not allow people to make decisions based on their perceptions of a situation.

On Taking Bribes

Bribery. There’s a word for it in almost every language, past and present. In some countries there are laws against bribery; in others, it’s an accepted way of doing business. Even if it were legal, though, I submit it would be unethical. By definition, bribery is awarding favor in exchange for a reward. The focus isn’t on the quality of the service but on the quantity of the reward. Bribery bars qualified players from the field and favors the wealthiest participants. But bribery will go on as long as there is someone willing to pay or accept a bribe.

Repeat this: Starting with me, bribery will not be tolerated at any level, for any reason.

On Stealing – Stealing Work Hours is Stealing

Okay, let’s just say this. Coming late, leaving early, extending breaks and surfing the net (March Madness, anyone?) on company time is stealing. Plain and simple. Oh, sure, there’s comp time, but the rest of it is just wrong. And while we’re at it, what about being habitually late for meetings? In that case we are stealing multiple people’s time. Here’s the deal. We can’t complain about corporate greed, crooked politicians, and identity theft if we are also guilty of stealing. Let’s clean it up.

Repeat this: Starting with me, stealing is stealing. I will take personal responsibility for my use of time.

On Understanding Disability

“Mommy, why does that man have no legs?” We cringe when we hear children loudly ask those embarassing questions. But most people with disabilities would much rather talk openly about them than the alternative – which is often embarassment, pity, fear and avoidance. Many will quickly help us understand that, for them, they don’t even consider what we see a disability. Contrary to popular opinion, ignorance is not bliss. Don’t be a part of allowing people to be marginalized by physical or mental differences.

Repeat this: Starting with me, people who are different from me will be understood and respected.

On Lying – Little White Lies

"Tell them the check’s in the mail." "Say I’m not in." Those aren’t really lies. Everyone uses them. Besides, sometimes it’s better to tell a little white lie than to upset people or get someone in trouble.

I suggest there is no such thing as "a little white lie." We lie because we are too lazy, too embarassed, too busy or whatever. We lie because we don’t have the skill to tell the truth gently. We lie because we mistakenly think we should never hurt anyone. But they are lies. Relationships are built on trust and lying undermines that trust.

Repeat this: Starting with me, lying in any form is simply not acceptable.

On Gossip

OSHA never talks about one of the big dangers in the workplace; and that’s gossip. Gossip eats away at morale, trust, and enjoyment at work. Oh, I know you would never gossip. As a matter of fact, you’ve probably complained about people that do. But what do you do about gossip? Gossip will only stop when there is no one to listen to it. What if every time someone began talking about someone else you were to say, "Sorry, I feel uncomfortable talking about her when she’s not here," and then skillfully changed the subject?

Repeat this: Starting with me, gossip will no longer have a listening ear.

On Becoming Hardened to Immorality – Inured

"Inured" is a great word. It means becoming so accustomed to something undesirable, we don’t notice it anymore. It happens to all of us with different things. Look at what’s seen on TV now, or words used in common speech, or how everyone seems to simply accept someone answering a cell phone while talking to us. Look at speeding on the highway or personal time spent on the internet in our workplace. We become inured because we let it happen.

Repeat this: Starting with me, it’s no longer acceptable to simply accept the unacceptable. I am going to be more aware of and change my own undesirable behaviors even if others are used to them.

On Making a Difference

"Thousands of starfish washed ashore. A little girl began throwing them into the water so they wouldn’t die. ‘Don’t bother, dear,’ her mother said. ‘There are too many. It won’t make a difference.’ The little girl looked at the one in her hand and then threw it in. ‘It makes a difference to that one.’"

Based on an essay by Loren Eiseley, that story inspires me to believe that we can make a difference. Repeat this: Starting with me, making a difference for even one is a priority. I will take action even when the problem seems too big.

For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Keeping Your Word

Eden Prairie high school students were suspended after pictures of their involvement in a party with alcohol showed up on Facebook. There are many ethics issues to examine here, but one that hasn't been talked about too much is the ethics of keeping one's word.

Reportedly, students involved in athletics and other special activities signed a contract agreeing to no involvement with drugs or alcohol. They violated their agreement. All the protests of being treated unfairly, being spied upon, being unjustly accused because their cups may not have contained alcohol - all that is irrelevant to the fact that they violated their agreement.

One of the protesting Eden Prairie students interviewed said she was trying to show that the school couldn't control them, but that really isn't the point, is it? If she truly believes agreeing to no alcohol or drug involvement is a control measure, then don't sign the agreement. Have the strength to stand up for your convictions and pay the cost. Ethics is not about what you can get away with, it is about holding and acting on deeply held beliefs. It takes courage and it often carries a cost.

If students want to drink or take drugs or hang around with those who do, then make a choice NOT to be involved in the activities like sports that specifically forbid it. If you don't believe that's fair, stand up and protest that - not that you got caught violating your promise.

On Rules

Rules. We all have to live by them. But how many of us take responsibility for enforcing the good ones and changing the ineffective ones? Most of us would rather complain. Here’s four words for you. It’s all about purpose. Think carefully about the reason a rule is in place. Then ask if it accomplishes the purpose. If it does, obey it and encourage others to do the same. If it doesn’t, go to someone with authority for the rule, and ask them to talk it over with you. Respectfully suggest a change that would make it more effective. Repeat this: Starting with me, rules will be seen as helpful, not harmful. I will obey all the rules while trying to improve the ineffective ones. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Taking Responsibility

If there’s one thing we are learning from the corporate debacles of late, it’s that no one likes a whiner. When you make a mistake, stand up and take responsibility. Ethically and morally, taking responsibility is the high ground. It moves you quickly past the negative consequences of the public spotlight. It will very likely be cheaper in the long run. It models the kind of behavior you expect from your coworkers and bosses. And it eliminates shame and blame from your corporate culture. You’re going to make mistakes. It’s how quickly and thoroughly you take responsibility that defines your character. Repeat this: Starting with me, responsibility will not be something to be ducked. I will let take responsibility for my own actions. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

The Blessings of Receiving

Common wisdom says, "It's better to give than to receive." I agree, but receiving can be a blessing to you and all those around you. Most of us are not very good at receiving, and so, we rob others of the joy of giving. Look around and note how others give of themselves. At work, maybe it's a little thing like always cleaning up in the morning, or anticipating your needs before you have to ask. Now, simply say “thank you.” Make it clear that you are blessed by them. Repeat this: Starting with me, receiving will be just as blessed as giving. I will let others feel valuable by accepting their gifts. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Wasting Resources

Waste. Definitely not a welcome word in most businesses. Most of us are very careful to reduce waste; to avoid wasting time, energy, and other resources. But how many of us are aware of wasting our influence? As we are successful in our jobs, it gives us influence among our fellow employees, customers, etc. How are you using your influence? Purely for your own gain? Or are you using the favor you’ve found with others to make a difference? Repeat this: Starting with me, good favor will be seen as a valuable resource. I will use whatever influence I have to make a difference in my workplace, my neighborhood, and community. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

On Being Two Faced

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “two-faced?” Most of us would not like to be labeled with it. But many of us are more two-faced than we’d like to admit. We act differently at work than we do at home. We say and do things with our friends we would never do with our parents or kids. We behave in private in a way we’d never think of doing in public. We weren’t meant to live that way. It creates a kind of moral dichotomy that can only result in a feeling of dis-ease. Take a stand. Decide what you really believe and then live that way. Repeat this: Starting with me, two-faced will only describe a kind of tape. I will live my values in every part of my life. For more tips and information, visit www.swimstartingwithme.com.

The Ethics of Everyday Decisions - Election Ads

First off, there is no perfect candidate. Having said that, what are the ethics around picking a candidate? Are there ethics involved in listening to election ads?

The ads would have us believe it to be a clear case of good against evil. At this stage in the election, ethics lies not so much in the candidate you choose, but in the decision-making process you engage in as you listen to the ads, sound bites, debates, etc.

Consider these thoughts:

1. By definition, an election ad is biased. Don't believe everything you read or hear. Check out the facts through several sources - unbiased ones if you can find them.
2. Election ads are marketing and advertising rolled into one package. Their purpose is to create a need in the minds of the listener and pitch that candidate as the answer to the need. Stop and think. What is hype? What emotions are they trying to draw out? Do you really want what the ads suggest you want? And if so, is this really the candidate to deliver it?
3. Election ads are often focused on a position - that is, an either/or, right/wrong view of an issue. But whose right or wrong? Don't allow the ad writers to tell you what is right or wrong, rather, think about the issue for yourself. Examine the values you hold and decide where you come down on the issue. What are your interests, based on your beliefs? You may find that rather than an issue being either/or, it is neither/nor.
4. Similarly, ads are often focused on a single issue. Any one particular group may be tempted to accept or reject a candidate based on a single issue - like taxes, abortion, defense, etc. But ask yourself if that really matches your total values system. If a candidate promises no increased taxes, how does that square with your value about education or health care?
5. Finally, as the election gets closer, the ads tend to change into either attacks or defenses. The closer we get to having to decide about the issues, the less the issues are openly examined and debated. Look past the ads to voting records, character, affiliations, etc.

Election ads raise all sorts of ethical dilemmas. This web log is not meant to prescribe the right answer, but rather to get you to ask the right questions. Weigh the differing, and even competing values that are presented and make decisions for action based on what you hold dear. Ethics is about making informed choices based on the values you and others believe in.

Scriptural insights: "One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter mush be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." Deuteronomy 19:15

"Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom." Acts 6:3

The Ethics of Everyday Decisions - Watering the Lawn

This is the continuation of a series encouraging an examination of everyday decisions from a moral standpoint. How do our everyday actions help or harm ourselves and others? Think about it. For those interested, there is a Scriptural insight relating to the everyday decision, from a Christian standpoint. I welcome responses from those who might be able to offer similar insights from the Koran or other sacred writings. Over the next few months, watch for postings on health decisions, work decisions, environmental decisions, relationship decisions, and...who knows what else?

This blog series is for the purpose of raising up the moral issues involved in everyday decision making. So what about living in a townhome development or in a municipality whose laws require lawns to be watered and cared for? Even in such a prescribed situation, there are ethical decisions to be made.

What are some of the conflicting values among which decisions have to be made?

1. Respect for the law
2. Protecting the scarce resource of water
3. Being fair to immediate neighbors
4. Being fair to neighbors living up or downstream in the watershed
5. Protecting shrinking city green spaces
6. Use of our own leisure time

While these are clearly not all the issues, you can see the dilemmas that present themselves. Ethics is about making informed choices based on the values you and others hold dear. As in this case, there are almost always conflicting values. Which is more important, the beauty of a city lot or the water supply of a municipality downstream? Which is right, obeying the law or protecting a natural resource? What are the tradeoffs? Can one use less water by mulching around the plants in the lawn, or changing the slope of the yard? How does that affect resources such as income which may be scarce enough to barely afford food? Does one simply accept a law, or get involved with the legislative process to change it to more closely align with one's values?

Neither the questions nor the answers are easy, but not asking and not trying to answer is simply unacceptable. Wrestle with these questions. Raise the issues in neighborhood meetings and e-mail or write your legislators.

The ethics of everyday decisions are just that - everyday decisions. Respond to this post with how you have made your decision.

Scriptural Insight: "I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees...Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun...Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." - Ecclesiastes 2:5,6,11; 12:13-14

The Ethics of Everyday Decisions - Driving Fast

Did it ever occur to you that how you drive is a moral decision? Besides the obvious values on human lives (and the possible threat to yourself and others from reckless driving and high speeds) think about this. What is your value on patriotism? What is your value on the environment?

The following data will hopefully get you thinking about how aggressive driving and speeding - yes, even 5 mph over the limit - could affect all of us.

America's independence from foreign oil is certainly affected by the decisions we make as we drive to and from work. There are those who believe the last couple wars America has been involved in are all about oil. Whether or not that's true, don't you think it's worth thinking about before we try to gain an extra couple of minutes on our commute by speeding?

Burning any percent more fuel puts that same percent of CO2 emissions into the atomosphere and consumes that much more of an unrenewable resource.

Finally, if neither of those values move you, think about how you value your own money. Even at the low end of these projections, you could be spending the equivalent $.39 per gallon more just by the choices you make as you drive.

Read these figures and then make a conscious decision. Now live by it.

(Source: www.fueleconomy.gov)
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Fuel Economy Benefit:
5-33%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings:
$0.16-$1.06/gallon

Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Fuel Economy Benefit:
7-23%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings:
$0.23-$0.74/gallon

A Scriptural Perspective: The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land. Lev. 25:23-24.

Chris McDonald: A voice for corporate responsibility

I don't know how many of you regularly read Chris MacDonald of St. Mary's University in Canada, but if you want to follow corporate ethics at all, you really ought to bookmark his blog. He comments daily on the ethical implications of corporate activities. He pulls no punches, but also gives credit where credit is due.

MacDonald has a long-term view on things. That's important in ethics because he is not swayed by the vagaries of public opinion, but rather by a sense of what is right and what is good. I strongly recommend him as a daily diet.

Why am I pushing this? MacDonald and other like him generate discussion on ethics which, in turn, affects people's ethical behavior. It's as simple as "Starting With Me."

Thank you, Professor MacDonald. Click Here to read his blog.

Storm Mentality Spawns Ethics Discussions

While Minnesota digs out from a second snow storm in as many weeks, the news programs have picked up some interesting human interest angles - people helping people. There seems to be a "storm mentality" that touches people's desire to help others in a way that's not normally so present.

Well, kudos to all those who are shoveling neighbors' walks, pushing strangers' cars and cleaning off coworkers' windshields. But kudos also to the media for highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The news stories spawn discussions about reaching out; about helping people whether or not they "deserve it;" about anonymous acts of kindness.

The more people talk about it, the more people are open to doing it. The more people are open to doing it, the better off we will all be. Mature ethical behavior spawns ethics discussions. And the discussions spawn action. It comes down to "Starting With Me."