You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

The Ethical Office at a Glance

Here is a recap of my top suggestions for those taking on this challenge:

Nan DeMars’s 23 GOLDEN KEYS to Opening the Door of the Ethical Office

1. Try to see things as they are, not as you wish them to be. In the midst of a mess, you may be more comfortable pretending to be “confused” or to deny the facts. But the way out of the mess is to challenge yourself with the tough questions, starting with this one: What is really going on here?

2. Admit it when ethical dilemmas bother you. When a person accepts the fact that there is a problem and there are going to be consequences, things get very, very clear—very fast! Matters remain muddy as long a person thinks he or she can be lucky enough or clever enough to avoid the issues. You have to live with your own actions (or inactions), and remember: even choosing to do nothing about a situation requires making a decision!

3. Lead by setting an example of good ethical conduct and good ethical problem-solving skills. A good example can have a powerful effect on the work environment. It’s vital to share your sense of what’s right versus wrong, and you owe it to yourself and your company to reconcile the differences between you and others as they arise.

4. Never give the impression that you “do not care” about the improper actions taking place. You do care or you wouldn’t be reading this book.

5. Get used to the idea that ethics are not a luxury you can afford only during good times. Ethics are forever, good ...