Integrity
Matters
November 12, 2003
Integrity
in workplace never takes day off, even if the boss calls
in sick
Question: (E-077)
Dear
Jim:
You
write about owners and bosses and how the leaders in various
organizations need to clean up their acts. But what do
you think about employees who don't pull their weight
when the boss is absent? What about workers talk on the
phone in a retail store instead of greeting customers?
What about employees who come in late, leave early, are
not very nice to customers and fellow employees, and still
expect to be paid for a full day's work? Isn't
integrity a two-way street?
Response:
Integrity
is a two-way street. Employers owe to those with whom
they work an opportunity to be productive, successful,
safe, healthy and proud. Owners and operators of enterprises
are responsible for all stakeholders (investors, customers,
suppliers, employees, members of the community).
Fly-by-night
enterprises, because they do not provide long-term viability,
seldom become good corporate citizens. So, when employees
find legitimate organizations to serve, then 100 percent
commitment and follow-through ought to be the expected
response. Common sense teaches that when the enterprise
meets or exceeds its responsibilities for integrity to
its stakeholders, then those who join the organization
have obligations as well.
Perhaps
this short list of integrity-centered responsibilities
will serve our readers well, whether as employees or managers:
- Honesty
means more than simply telling the truth. It means being
on time, alert and ready to work, every time. Honest
employees never take from the workplace materials and
supplies intended for the execution of organizational
duties (paper, pencils, paper goods, food, etc). Honesty
requires being willing to give appropriate attention
to customers and clients, support to colleagues and
gracious responses to suppliers. When personal phone
calls become abusive, to the extent that they draw attention
away from customer and client services, employee behavior
comes into question. Wasting an organization's
money while spending time with idle chit-chat, playing
video-games, visiting questionable websites during work
hours is not being honest.
- Competency
describes a level of performance that satisfies customer
expectations and helps to sustain the quality standards
of the organization. Competence applies to more than
the mechanical functions of any given job; it also refers
to the social skills required for effective interactions
with all who are impacted by the work and worker. Competent
employees pursue excellence and accept the challenge
for continuous improvement. Competent employees improve
their own productivity and assist with the efficiency
and effectiveness of those with whom they work.
- Loyalty
is reflected in how employees refer to and treat their
working environment. Those who understand the importance
of workplace commitment often do far better than the
complainers, whose lives are filled with stories of
bitterness and frustration. Work is not play. Work,
a combination of perspiration, dedication, sacrifice
and focus, is how many must spend a significant portion
of their lives to pay their bills and build some level
of economic security for the future. Those who are the
wisest have learned and are able to live the wisdom
articulated by Mr. Elbert Hubbard, 100 years ago:
"If
you work for other people, in heaven's name work
for them, speak well of them and stand by the institution
they represent. Remember, an ounce of loyalty is worth
a pound of cleverness. If you must growl, condemn, and
eternally find fault, then resign your position and when
you are on the outside, blast them to your heart's
content. However, as long as you are a part of the institution,
do not condemn it. For, if you do, the first high wind
that comes along will blow you away, and probably you
will never know why."
Integrity
is a two-way street. Employers owe the employee and the
employee owes the employer. When they meet and exceed
one another's needs, productivity rises, customers
are happier and profits allow for better rewards for all
who are involved. Not only does integrity matter, it makes
for an environment that generates economic success.
