Ethics prescribe how a person should behave. Ethical conduct reflects genuine values and beliefs. Everyone should adhere to common values because most people want to live ethically and profess the values because they know what is right.

Many of us come from different walks of life, cultures, religions and traditions. It is important for leaders to not only convey strong good ethical behavior, they must also live it. Leaders can not maintain the trust of their subordinates nor their superiors if they practice poor ethical behavior.

Leaders, who lie, steal or participates any activity which is illegal or construed as being wrongful will fail as a leader. Anyone who compromises their integrity will never be followed nor will be able to motivate others without using questionable tactics. Subordinates may easily misinterpret this behavior and find it appropriate for them to use. Once this happens, an entire organization can become corrupt and its demise is most certain.

Leaders must know where to draw the line when it comes to interacting with their subordinates as well as their peers and superiors. Unfortunately there are too many instances where leaders have demonstrated failure in maintain a professional attitude towards those they work with.

Inter-office relationships in particular can be the catalyst which destroys a person's career. The boss who sleeps with his or her employee is an ineffective leader and has compromised the trust he or she may have gained with other employees.

A leader who tries to take advantage of any employee based on his or her position, in example, quid pro quo (I’ll do this, if you’ll do that) creates a hostel work environment. Employees or subordinates who are subjected to sexual harassment are ineffective and their abilities to do their job decreases.

A leader must always remain professional at all times. Despite the situation, whether the setting is in the office, or at the company party or picnic, leaders must maintain their professional demeanor.

Subordinates must know based on the leader’s actions and example their place. Leaders can have fun, leaders can enjoy themselves at company functions but they may not present themselves in a manner that demonstrates unprofessional qualities in front of subordinates. Leaders do not over indulge in alcohol, they do not over eat nor do they allow emotions to guide their actions or drive their decisions.

Please take time to visit PTK's Web page The Ethical Imperative to Maintain and Nurture Relationships

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