Staying Ethically Sharp

When it comes to ethics and compliance, it’s easy to get complacent. But the world is changing every day. So if you don’t revisit your ethics frequently and stay current with the latest compliance rules, then you’re asking for trouble.

Here are some things you might consider doing to keep your ethics edge sharp:

1. Re-read the codes of ethics for all of the groups to which you belong (including NEB). Don’t just scan them; reflect on the key points and ask yourself whether your actions are consistent with those points.
2. Attend an ethics breakout session at your next business conference. Hear what others are doing and thinking to stay ahead of the ethics and compliance curve.
3. Read a book that addresses ethical issues in business. Two excellent examples: Profit with Honor: The New Stage of Market Capitalism by Daniel Yankelovich and Moral Courage by Rushworth M. Kidder.
4. Set up a Google alert with the key words “business ethics.” See what leading businesses are doing to promote ethics and integrity in their organizations.
5. Finally, take a CE course on ethics and/or compliance at least once a year, even if you aren’t legally required to. Use this information to plug any holes in your business practices that are increasing your liability.

The point is this: The world is unforgiving these days about ethical lapses. Since it takes less to get into trouble, you need to raise your own ethics bar. Challenging your assumptions through constant learning is a great first step.