Being ethical should be an unwritten rule, but for some reason the world we occupy needs a reminder. A written reminder. These ethical rules should not be something a company has to write down as “Rules of Ethics” In reality, there will always be that one person who will say “I didn’t get the memo”.
I work for the U.S. government and one rule is “Do not plug-in any unauthorized devices into the computers.” On the first day of employment this is what was drilled into us. Signs are posted through the office and workstations. The first notice to pop on the computer screen is a reminder not to plus in an unauthorized device. Signs are typed on the computers tower. Within 10 days of starting the employee has to view a cyber security training video which states “not to plug-in any unauthorized devices.” If that was not enough, employees receive cyber security training throughout the year as a reminder which includes what to do about unauthorized devices.
When an unauthorized devices has been detected. A warning goes directly to security and an investigation is opened. Not only is the employee receiving the notice, the notice is sent to his or her supervisor. This would be a first warning. If it happens again, the employee can or may be written up or worse fired.
Yet there are always those people who plays dumb. It’s when they receive a notice from security when protocol has been violated. Their reply, “I didn’t know.” At that point all I can do is shack my head (SMH). How in the world did they not see all the signs?
Really, people. What dumb stick have they been sucking on? People make so many excuses for why they are breaking the rules. But wait, ethics are in the eyes of the beholder, right? You might be asking, “Wait Sol, what are you talking about? Ethics, in the eyes of the beholder? Please do not freak out on me, let me explain. If we sit a group of people together and say, “create a list of Ethics” what exactly would they develop?
Well let’s do that right now. Take out a piece of paper and a pen. Start creating your “Rules of Ethics”. It doesn’t matter how long or short. This is not a test and no I’m not going to bore you with a list of what I feel should be on the list. Okay, maybe I will create my own list but what is ethical to me is not necessary ethical to those reading this article. But to make a point let’s see if we came up with the same list. On my list I would add the following:
- Fairness
- Trust
- Respect
- Honesty
- Loyalty
I do not need a long list of ethics to remind me and my employees of the way a person must act while conducting business with my clients. No, the above list basically sums up all aspects from do not steal, do not cheat, and do not lie, etc. The list can go on and on. It is your list and your produce it the way you would like.
My point is, even with all the signs, people in general have the excuse not to play by the rules. Do not fall in the trap when trying to climb up the literary ladder of being a writer, editor, or any endeavors you decide to adventure towards. From the beginning of your journey to your success you should always remind yourself of your ethical values by staying true to yourself.