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Personal Ethical Hygiene: 10 Key Elements

1. Know Your Ethical North Star. Commit to writing who you are, what you stand
for (your ethical “compass”) and what’s non-negotiable (especially in negotiations
with yourself!). Review and reflect on your North Star often.

2. Walk the Talk. Maintain the highest ethical standards; bring integrity to every
human transaction; do what you say you’ll do when you say you’ll do it;; avoid perks
and privileges – and never forget the symbolic importance of other actions.

3. Can vs. Should. Rules and policies are important, but not the whole ethical story;
model values-based reasoning, including identifying options that differentiate “can”
vs. “should” and “legal” vs. “ethical;” live by your “unenforceables.”

4. Decision Making. Support decision-makers with complete and objective
information; consult trusted colleagues and engage stakeholders prior to making
important decisions; discuss ethical complications openly; be honest about your
motives.

5. Group Think. Don’t be a habitual contrarian, but do cultivate an ability to
disassociate from the “herd” in order to objectively consider behaviors, actions and
decisions (rather than being swept away by them); trust your gut!

6. Me Think. Don’t get lost in personal bias; stay open to change; invite “the
messenger” in; encourage others to be honest, even when the message is about
you and hard to hear; respect different perspectives.

7. Ego, Kindness and Trust. Check your ego at the door; live by the Golden Rule;
treat people fairly but not necessarily the same; always examine your own motives;
be kind – it’s a strength that builds trust and power.

8. Speaking the Truth to Power. Do your boss the favor of being honest – whether
they like it or not (it’s a primary subordinate duty); clarify, challenge ethically
questionable direction; don’t “go along to get along” with bad behavior.

9. Without Excuses. Be honest with yourself and others about mistakes; avoid
excuses and blame; take responsibility and action to fix the situation and avoid
repetition; teach what you learn to others.

10. Respect the Journey. How we do things is often as important as the destination;
ethical processes are as important as outcomes (an unethical means does not justify
an ethical end); at the end, have a clear conscience.