The arrest of fashion industry company owners and managers in downtown L.A. this week raises the question: as executives, as members of the community, as leaders of our teams, are our ethics slipping? Think of it this way, we get busy, we have a lot to do and we get a little sloppy in our exercise and how we eat. Doesn’t that happen in all aspects of our busy lives?
We cut someone off because we are late for work. We ship a product that is slightly off because we don’t have another one in stock. We don’t issue a refund because we don’t have enough cash to make payroll. You may notice that there is a clause following “because” in each example I used. We have a justification for why we slip a little. And, compared to fencing cash for a drug cartel, these are trivial actions.
And, as a role model for your company and the community, not to mention your family, what is the perception of your actions by others? If you have “Integrity” as one of your company values, where do you draw the line?
This week, pull up a drooping sock and go for a long walk. Think about it. It might be a good topic for your next team huddle.
Image courtesy of The Connection Newsletter, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Sept. 23, 2013