What Are Ethics Anyway?

“The time is always right to do what is right.” ~Martin Luther King

I would like to begin by defining work ethic. There are all kinds of definitions attached to this phrase and many different interpretations. The simple definition of work ethic is “a set of moral principles that an employee uses in the performance of their job.” Yet, another definition describes work ethic as “the belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character.”

For all intents and purposes, work ethic can refer to how you feel about your job, so it includes your attitude and behavior. It is also about how you do your job, and the responsibilities that come with your position or title. Ethics is how you communicate and interact with others, as well as the level of respect you show others at work. Ethics is having key characteristics within you, such as humility, empathy, honesty, accountability and integrity. It really is true that how you act on the job will reveal your work ethics. Your strength of character is easily shown when the going gets tough and if you are not living in this way, it will show up!

It is one thing to declare you have a strong work ethic, but it is a completely different thing to convince those around you that you really do have a strong work ethic. In fact, most leaders are not inclined to take your claims at face value; instead they prefer that you convince them with actions and not just words.

It is crucial to have a strong work ethic if you desire to hold a leadership position. It requires you to be a positive person and to look for the good in others. As you develop exceptional ethics, you are naturally influential and will almost automatically be advanced in your career. Don’t all big business people want all of the qualities in an employee that we mentioned above? YES!

Business owners want leaders they can trust and put in charge of teams or over huge projects. They do not want to babysit or have to deal with issues. They want leaders with strong traits, strong character and people with vision to what is possible. They want someone who is task and goal oriented and can lead by example. They do not want to be told from you that you are ethical. They want to see this in action in all that you do. When they recognize these qualities in you that is when you get promoted and advanced in your career. To dramatically progress up the ranks of the organization, raise your level of work ethics.

What is possible for you? How could you raise your work ethics and what would you gain by doing it?

We have talked a lot about ethics and we have also talked a lot about integrity in this section. I believe Chris Karcher said it best: “Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values and beliefs rather than personal gain.” When we are doing it because it is the right thing to do, we are rewarded. When we are doing things for the wrong reason it shows up.

Here is a list of several things that you can pay attention to when it comes to being ethical:

• High level of integrity
• Honest in all dealings
• Living high standards
• Doing quality work
• Punctual and respectful
• Works well with others
• Responsible and accountable
• Dedication to the company
• Respectful of others
• Builds trust with others
• Develops strong relationships
• Self-disciplined and takes action
• Energetic and positive
• Knowledgeable and willing to learn
• Creates positive results
• Willing to do what it takes
• Hits deadlines ahead of schedule
• Works well with others and is a team player
• Avoids gossip and office drama, is fair with others
• Goes the extra mile
• Organized and structured
• Health conscious with strong body and mind
• A good listener and values others opinions
• Does quality work and does not waste time
• Puts the company first
• Follows the rules and company standards
• Consistent and performs well
• Great time management skills
• Out performs the competition
• High standard of professionalism
• Completes duties and responsibilities
• Sees the good in others, wants others to succeed

This is a long list. It is probably not even the most comprehensive list, but rather a great place to start. I get that this list can be a bit overwhelming, but in reality these things listed are not that difficult to do. You are probably already doing most of them, and if you are not, this is great feedback as to where you can start to focus to improve.

When we are exceptional in our character it creates noteworthy performance and the highest professionalism. Isn’t that what we are really all striving for?

How would living in this way in your personal life up-level your relationships and your family life? Ethics is not just a part time job that we live only for others to see, it is who we are, what we stand for always, in everything. Ethics are your moral principles and character and they show up naturally. They are who we really are.

“Influence comes through your example of being ethical and full of integrity in all that you do.” ~Kris Barney