Supporting Courage and Integrity in The Workplace

When faced with a difficult decision or ethical adversity, everyone likes to think that they would make the right call, especially if it is a situation when you know no one is watching your next move.

These kind of events are not uncommon. Hard decisions, actions and conversations that require a strong moral compass happen throughout the day, every day, whether we are aware of it or not.

Laying a strong foundation of moral courage and integrity is essential not just in our day to day life, but also in the workplace. Having a professional life that has an established foundation of moral courage and integrity carries a specific kind of importance.

That essential foundation is not only a direct reflection on the quality of the company or team, but also on the expertise that accompanies the work or service being provided to a client or community.

Having the courage to speak up when you have witnessed something unethical or need to share an unpopular opinion is much easier if that foundation has been put in place and practiced.  

Listen to Understand, Not Just to Respond

Even though listening may seem like the easiest part of the conversation process, it is a skill that can always be improved. There is a distinct difference between listening to someone and simply hearing them when they speak.

So often during a conversation, especially one that may be difficult to have, instead of truly engaging in what the other person is saying, our focus is on what we are going to say next.

This can happen so intensely at times that we are completely missing out on why someone feels the way they do. By becoming an active listener, a more engaging conversation that results in actionable solutions can be had. Future conflicts or confusion can also be navigated easier or avoided all together.

Consider Possibilities Beyond Your Own Perceptions

When faced with a difficult conversation, it can be hard to entertain feelings other than our own. By removing our “inner editor” and being able to view an opinion outside of our own learned perceptions allows us to not only see where a fellow Associate is coming from, but it gives you the opportunity to expand your own way of thinking.

There is an immense amount of personal growth and development that can occur when you make it a point to look beyond your own perceptions and can validate the thoughts and ideas of someone else.

Taking the time to review viewpoints other than your own can make you a better leader, coworker and collaborator.  

Create an Environment of Support

Ethical adversity has been at an all time high this year around the world. There is a need for unity more than ever before.

When genuine togetherness is felt in the workplace, a great impact can be made on the lives of those who benefit from the work being done, but also on the lives of the ones doing the work.

When a supportive environment is cultivated in the workplace, the quality of collaboration that can take place is unmatched.

When Associates feel heard and empowered, critical thinking is at its best and the mission and values of the company are being fully executed.