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 “Ethics Rules”. In reality, there will always be one person who will say “I didn’t get the memo.”
I work for the US government and one rule is “Do not connect any unauthorized devices to computers.” The first day of employment this is what we were instilled. Signs are posted in the office and at work stations. The first notice that appears on the computer screen is a reminder not to use more on an unauthorized device. Signs are written on the computer tower. Within 10 days of initiation, the employee must view a cybersecurity training video that states “do not connect any unauthorized devices.” If that wasn’t enough, employees receive cybersecurity training throughout the year as a reminder that includes what to do with unauthorized devices.
When an unauthorized device has been detected. A warning goes directly to security and an investigation is opened. The employee not only receives the notice, but the notice is sent to his or her supervisor. This would be a first warning. If it happens again, the employee may or may be redacted or worse fired.
However, there are always those people who play dumb. It is when they receive a security warning when the protocol has been violated. His response: “I didn’t know.” At that point, all I can do is shake my head (SMH). How the hell did they not see all the signs?
Really, people. What silly stick have they been sucking on? People make so many excuses why they are breaking the rules. But wait, ethics is in the eyes of the beholder, right? You may be wondering, “Wait Sol, what are you talking about? Ethics, in the eyes of the beholder? Please don’t scare me, let me explain. If we get a group of people together and say, ‘create a list of Ethics” what exactly would they develop?
Well, let’s do it right now. He takes out a sheet 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 am not going to bore you with a list of what I think should be on the list. Okay, maybe I’ll create my own list, but what’s ethical for me is not necessarily ethical for those reading this article. But to make a point, let’s see if we came up with the same list. I would add the following to my list:
- Justice
- Confidence
- Respect
- Honesty
- Loyalty
I don’t need a long list of ethics to remind me and my employees of how a person should act while doing business with my clients. No, the above list basically sums up all the aspects of not stealing, not cheating and not lying, etc. The list can go on and on. It’s your list and you produce it the way you’d like.
My point is that, even with all the signs, people generally have an excuse not to follow the rules. Don’t fall for it when trying to climb the literary ladder of being a writer, a publisher, or whatever venture you decide to undertake. From the beginning of his journey to success, you should always remember his ethical values by staying true to himself.
