Workplace Ethics

WHAT IS ETHICS? Standards of duty and virtue that indicate how we should behave. Ethics is about right and wrong and how an honorable person should behave. Ethics is about being a good person. Is vs. Ought

It’s not the same as values. Ethics is what you do when no one else is watching. Imagine you were invisible and were able to do anything without consequences or repercussions.

WHY BE ETHICAL? It's just good business It’s the smart thing to do

Expect all employees to maintain these ethics Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

TRUSTWORTHINESS INTEGRITY HONESTY PROMISE-KEEPING LOYALTY

RESPECT IT IS OUR DUTY TO TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT Courtesy Politeness Dignity Value the differences they bring into our workplace Tolerance (This can be hard)

RESPONSIBILITY Don’t make excuses Accept responsibility for decisions Fulfill all obligations DO NOT OVER-PROMISE “Life is full of choices—what you do and don’t do matters” “Choosing not to choose is a choice”

FAIRNESS students and employees. Listen intently to the concerns of the parents, students and employees. Listen to the employees and make decisions that affect them only after careful and appropriate consideration.

CARING Compassion and concern for others Kindness and consideration Mercy and forgiveness Empathy Gratitude and Expressed Thanks

CITIZENSHIP Follow policies and procedures. Keep proper records and follow financial reporting procedures. Follow all laws and regulations....to the tee.

Identify the Problems Fill the gaps!! Close gaps deliberately!! Most of us overestimate the cost of doing the right thing---and underestimate the cost of failing to do so.

Proper Office Etiquette If you have a question—Ask If you make a mistake—Tell someone about it (Don’t cover it up) Don’t talk too much about your personal life Don’t make enemies or burn bridges Be professional and ethical at all times Only take credit for your work

Proper Office Etiquette Always be honest Respect your co-workers Be a team player, Cooperate with others Be open to suggestions and constructive criticism Be responsible for your actions

Communication Skills Don’t badmouth others Answer the phone professionally Avoid office gossip Don’t be afraid to ask for help Don’t refuse to do something Discuss differences with Supervisors or co-workers in private.

Personal Tasks Computers are school board property and are not for personal use Keep your cell phone off Do not send personal emails Friends and family members shouldn’t call you at work Personal phone calls should not be made-- only in an emergency

Take Initiative Ask for things to do Go above and beyond your duties Don’t be afraid to ask questions Learn all you can about the school system Get in the information loop

Have a Positive Attitude Be enthusiastic and energetic and portray genuine interest Avoid Negativity --Don’t complain, be rude, disrespect co- workers, act unprofessionally, or gossip Exceed employers expectations Offer suggestions, become part of the team, be reliable, and be honest

Why Would Somebody Engage in Poor Workplace Behaviors? A control tactic? Might seem more “authoritarian”? “It’s about me”? Enjoys being a bully?

Inappropriate Workplace Behaviors Condescending behaviors and actions Using your title or position Poor, curt, or negative communications Acting authoritarian Arguments, profanity, yelling at others Showing favoritism Poor body language Lack of empathy Degrading or talking about others

So Where Do We Go From Here? We HAVE to be respectful to others! Face to face--Do not go behind someone’s back. Telephone and emails can become public information. Meetings--Communicate and inform ahead of time. Meetings need to be meaningful and productive.

Closing Points “We don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.” (Anais Nin) “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Treat others the way you want to be treated