Ethics can be defined as the well-founded standards and fundamental principles of an individual. Ethics are used to determine what is right and wrong, and usually dictate our course of action in our daily lives.
You may be a skillful, effective employer but if you don’t trust the people you work with and the opposite then the chances of growing up and expanding the business you deal with extremely limited .
It’s not critical for the employees to like the boss, but they have to trust him or her. If not, he won’t be able to lead them and the workers will have little motivation at work. Employer has to work to bring out certain work ethics at work place. Employer need to ensure that every one is treated with respect and dignity . Moreover everyone is treated fairly well without any biased attitude .
Truth and trust are connected together. You could be honest for years but one lie can destroy the trust you have built all this time and there is no doubt that regaining that trust is very difficult.
You have to be honest. Do not say “I don’t know” when you know. Be straight and say exactly what you have in mind. When you say “No” mean it. We have to realize that the work place is not a popularity contest . Tasks need to be completed and work’s goals should be accomplished with success.
Therefore, trying to be pleasant all the time will build obstacles to your job and disorientate you from your real goals at work.
Open your ears and accept criticism from employees or colleagues. It’s hard for every person to accept comments – especially negative – but in order to lead you will have to. Always listen to other ideas, suggestions and encourage open discussions. That doesn’t mean, in case you are the manager that you don’t decide according to your facts.
Demonstrate the trust. Just saying “I trust you” is not enough. You have to show it by assigning responsibilities and providing all the tools they need in order to succeed in the tasks you assign to them. When we say tools we mean training, information, etc.
There are few basic work ethics . They are :
a. Integrity : It is the “quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, a personal code of conduct that goes above the level of good conduct and encompasses the spirit of good conduct.
b. Honesty : Being an honest individual means you do not deceive others by giving out misleading information. This includes the truthful way of conduct that is usually without the intention of lying, cheating or any form of falsification.
c. Discipline :At times, an employee may be talented in his line of work but lacks the commitment and dedication to complete the tasks given. It requires a certain level of discipline to not only complete the tasks within a certain time frame but to also execute them well, instead of doing just the bare minimum at the very last minute.
d. Fair and respect :Achieving an ethically strong workplace involves the cooperation of every employee, from top decision-makers/leaders to entry-level employees. No matter which level you are at, you need to ensure that all your actions are fair and just, particularly if you are entrusted with a position to lead.
e. Responsible and accountable : If an employee has a strong sense of responsibility, he or she would undoubtedly turn up for work on time and complete the tasks given with the best effort that he or she can offer. Nevertheless, there will be a time when an employee may make a mistake, hence it is important to also be able to acknowledge these mistakes, be accountable for it and accept any consequences.
Recognize the well done job. People need to be appreciated especially at work. When an employee is productive, and finishes the assignment successfully show your appreciation directly. People need the approval to be in public and the negative comments in private. It’s in human nature, we can’t change it, and so it is important to follow that rule.
It is a well known fact that workers do not work for money alone, they also work for their dignity and self respect . Many times workers leave the job not for money but due to the dignity which is compromised at work place . They love to be part of the organization and contribute in a positive manner to the growth of organization .
To sum it up, you have to do what you preach, and be clear with your actions. When you say “No” or “Yes” mean them, and of course you have to give the example. If you enforce a rule at your company but you are the only one who breaks it, don’t expect the rule to last for long. Especially the trust will vanish, and leading your team will become extremely difficult task. To bring everlasting peace and values that contribute to the growth of organization we need to set the good example ourselves first . My best wishes !!