Every company should develop a code of ethics based on agreed upon values. Our leaders, managers, teams and organizations could benefit from developing a behavioral protocol, or a code of behavior or ethics based on agreed upon values. You may try this on your own, or have a facilitated off-site meeting to really dig into the issues.
A code or protocol helps establish positive conduct between staff, clients and stakeholders. It provides criteria for strategy, actions and policies. A code gives us principles by which we make decisions. It provides questions such as: "Does this decision reflect my highest level of integrity? Am I taking responsibility for professional excellence?" Let’s take the value of integrity. Do all leaders and employees accurately represent your services and products? Does everyone take responsibility to carefully assess the customer’s needs before suggesting a solution?
No matter how much we want the business, we should put the customer first by making sure that our offering matches his or her needs. But, what about the sticky situations? What if you can meet most of the requirements, but do not match all of the needs? Being honest up front by mentioning your limitations, would be the ethical choice that builds trust with your customers, co-workers, and leadership--and it minimizes misunderstandings and conflict.
Dr. Marilyn Manning, CSP, CMC, the founder and CEO of The Consulting Team, LLC, and international author of seven business books, resolves difficult people problems. She specializes in interactive speeches, workshops, and consulting in the areas of Leadership, Teamwork, Conflict Mediation, Executive Coaching, Meeting Facilitation, Strategic Planning, and Communication. Over 94% of Dr. Manning’s work is repeat business. For more information about Dr. Manning and The Consulting Team, LLC go to her website at http://www.theconsultingteam.com