Refrain from using the terms “right” and wrong” because……………………………….

These terms tend to be seen as very subjective, i.e. according to whom is something right or wrong, who says so, “this has nothing to do with me” attitude and so what, etc.

Rather use these phrases. What is negotiable and what is not negotiable and why. What is acceptable and what is not acceptable and why. These then would be the conversation points, the guidelines, the basis for all, considered to participate in the proper approach and reasoning for all decision making.

This method needs to be the foundation for the development of a code of ethics, by creating a process by which all who would be affected by this, would have the opportunity to participate in the discernment process of thinking logically about the code. Without the opportunity to provide input or questions, this process would fall short of its purpose.

There is a distinct difference between a leader saying that something is right or wrong without providing the why, and the leader that who can say  “because we all agreed that this is non-negotiable, this  is the wrong thing to do.”

Now the topic of compliance is a necessary consideration and a reason for a particular behavior. Compliance can be met with some questions due to the lack of participation, input, etc. in the establishment of a special law. All that is necessary is appropriate behavior, and that is acceptable in any number of instances. But for a more fully understood and accepted focus on ethical conduct, the more the people who will be affected, have an opportunity to question, remark, suggestion, etc. the better the response and the better the collective commitment to the process.

fbucaro

Like you, business ethics and ethical leadership expert, Frank Bucaro has seen the challenges and problems of corporate leadership, particularly over the past few years in regards to poor decision-making, SEC violations, and record breaking financial settlements in a number of different industries. With over two decades of executive training, speaking, writing and with real life experiences, his view and approach to ethics in the workplace is uniquely different. He emphasizes that ethics is a moment-to-moment choice and has little to do with position, titles, personalities or education. Ethics is everybody’s responsibility from the top down. His goal is to help organizations to: a. Strengthen their ethics training initiatives in order to significantly decrease the odds of an ethical/compliance violation. b. Energize, train and motivate employees to understand the value of consistent “high road” behavior as a business advantage. c. Support individuals and thereby the organization by contributing to its success by quality, ongoing values based leadership development. Frank is known for his very practical, slightly irreverent, yet somewhat humorous approach to ethics and leadership development. His conversational style and real life stories connect with his audience in a personal, intense and practical level. Companies such as Bayer Healthcare, BP, ReMax International, EnMax Energy, Danone, etc. have partnered with Frank when they want to proactively stress the message, tools, insights and practical applications that good ethics IS good for business!