Business forum: Time to reset accountability in the workplace

I will never forget the time I gave an ethics presentation at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Columbus — the largest locked-down women's prison in the state. The business class had read my latest book and was studying the topic of workplace ethics.

In the middle of a lively discussion, I launched into the topic of accountability in today's workplace. A woman in the back of the room shot to her feet, waved her arms and shouted: "Nan! You don't have to talk to us about accountability. We're in the can!"

She brought the house down, and I saluted her. She nailed the topic.

Employees who are paying attention today are acutely aware of their culpability in the workplace: They must avoid being associated with ethical violations because they could someday be held personally liable for their actions or inactions — no exceptions. You may find yourself at any time on a witness stand under oath where you alone are responsible for your actions. Today, employees should be working in a "we get it" climate when it comes to their accountability on the job.

We need to continually reset our ethics awareness buttons, however. Two recent examples: On the national stage in her congressional hearing, Hope Hicks, President Donald Trump's communications adviser, testified she had "told white lies" on the job. And on the local stage, a Starkey Hearing executive testified in his trial that he "did it [the wrongdoing] because my boss told me to."

Embracing accountability is a two-way street today. Both supervisors and employees are acknowledging each other's accountability for their respective actions. Savvy managers are increasingly demanding relationships with their employees that routinely improve the ethical dimensions of a decision or practice. Such a partnership allows both parties to bring issues to the table without fear of being judged.

Astute managers continue to work diligently to establish and maintain the ethical workplace. Why? Because the ethical office creates a significant competitive advantage. Management and employees are recognizing that the double or triple bottom line (as ethics are sometimes referred to) relates directly to healthy profits.

1. A corporate conscience established with an agreed-upon and documented code of ethics/conduct and/or a mission statement that articulates the company's values and standards. These goals inspire all employees to strive to do the right thing.

2. A commitment to hold yourself and one another personally responsible and accountable for the company's standards. People working in an ethical office believe they have a right and an obligation to all their colleagues to uphold their organization's principles.

3. Communication. Employees should feel free to embrace and even initiate the conversation about ethical issues. Discussions about "the right thing to do" become routine. Challenging someone if they step over the line is common, and it's done by simply seeking a better way.

Ethical dilemmas come in all shapes, sizes and dollar amounts and can pitch a person's career into crisis in a skinny minute. To help you monitor your own accountability on the job, I offer what I call my Ethical Priority Compass. This is a guide to orient yourself in any ethical dilemma to make the right decision even under extreme pressure. If you follow these three points — in this order — you will keep yourself out of hot water, harm's way and the courtroom:

• Take care of yourself. Your accountability gives you no choice. You must protect your professional reputation and your financial and legal security — and do so aligned with your personal morals and values. This is not being selfish, this is just being smart.

• Take care of your supervisor(s). Sometimes ethical dilemmas can slide into slippery slopes of denial and rationalization, especially when you wish to support your boss. However, bosses deserve your professionalism and proactiveness. If you find yourself caught in a web of unethical behavior supporting your boss, circle back to your compass. Realize (1) you now have to take care of yourself because you're involved; (2) you have to protect your company because it will be affected; and (3) your boss no longer deserves your loyalty or protection.

No employee today can afford to become an active (or passive) co-conspirator in unethical, illegal, or immoral activity. Whatever your job title, your personal accountability is your challenge and yours alone.

Texas Instruments offers their employees these simple guidelines they call the "TI Ethics Quick Test":

• If you know it's wrong, don't do it.

• If you're not sure, ask questions.

When it comes to ethical accountability in the workplace today, we should all be punching above our weight. We can't afford not to.