Following your moral compass in the workplace

by Chris Karcher

An avalanche of corporate scandals has hit the news in recent years. Boosted profits, inflated sales figures to keep stock prices high, shredded documents to hide the paper trails, CEOs put on trial for their misdeeds. 

What are the consequences of a lack of integrity? Do we really get away with it when we pad our expense accounts, gossip about coworkers or fudge on our timecards? The answer is simply, no, we don’t get away with it.

When we act in a manner that is inconsistent with our value system we not only hurt the company’s bottom line, we hurt ourselves. We experience inner turmoil: regret, anxiety, guilt, shame and sorrow. We lose self-respect and diminish feelings of self-love. We hurt our relationships with others because we lack credibility with them. People don’t trust us and distance themselves from us. Feelings of guilt and shame may cause us to distance ourselves from them as well.

What makes the workplace any different than how you would act in school, a church or a courtroom? Your behavior shouldn’t be any different in the workplace. If you want the respect and trust of your boss and colleagues, consider using your moral compass at work. Here are some strategies for following your moral compass.

Never let another person compromise your self-respect
Gandhi said, “They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” By choosing actions based on an ethical center, you do not allow another person to compromise your dignity and self-respect. Choice is key.

Choose actions consistent with your value system
Integrity is choosing ethics above personal benefit. The fact that everybody else does it or nobody will know is irrelevant. Keep your actions based on your values rather than on personal gain.

Listen to your inner wisdom
It’s tempting to keep talking, but, too often, we forget to listen. During your quiet time, gently reflect on an issue you are struggling with and then listen for divine guidance. The idea that suddenly pops into your head may be the answer you’ve been searching for. You don’t need to go into seclusion to do this. Whenever you are struggling throughout the day, take a moment to pause, ask and listen for guidance.

Live beyond the limits of self
Living beyond the limits of self will make an amazing difference in your life. Help your co-worker with a challenging task. Keep the other person’s best interest in mind as well as your own when negotiating a deal. Dedicate a portion of your week to serving others. Volunteer in your community or at your child’s school; bring dinner to a sick friend. The goodwill will rejuvenate you when you return to the office and help you keep your priorities and values in perspective.

Give what you want to receive
Become cognizant of the choices you make. Give what you want to receive. If you want to be more productive, help someone be more productive. If you want to be treated with kindness and compassion, treat others with kindness and compassion. If you want others to accept you as you are, accept them as they are.

You may loathe the bureaucracy of your organization, but love the individuals running it. During conflict respond firmly, but kindly. This does not mean you let people take advantage of you. Protect yourself and others from harm and hold others accountable for their actions, but do so in grace.

Refill the well
Set time aside each day to recharge. Twenty minutes in the morning before you start your day and twenty minutes at the end of the workday will help calm you and bring you back to center. Find a place of retreat, away from common distractions. Use this time to meditate, read and listen to inspirational material. Dedicate one day a week to rejuvenation: sleep in, read, play games with your kids, and resist the urge to catch up on chores and housework.

When you are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed at work, close your office door or go to a quiet location in your office, such as a break room or a supply room and take a few minutes to recharge. If no quiet place exists within your office, go outside or to your car.

Practice gratitude
Compliment your coworkers at least once each day. Resist the urge to criticize and notice the positive when possible. When you need to give negative feedback, sandwich the criticism between two positive comments. Keep a gratitude journal and write down things you are grateful for each day.

The workplace can be a difficult place to be, especially when faced with decisions that challenge your ethics or morals. You can make the right decision for yourself by doing only what you are comfortable with, using your moral compass as a guide. Whether you are struggling with budget problems, impossible schedules, or a difficult coworker, you and your business will benefit when you allow your value system to guide you towards the right decision.

Chris Karcher is a relationship and spirituality expert. She is also the author of  “Relationships of Grace,” a how-to guide on making personal and professional relationships more meaningful and fulfilling through grace. She is available for keynote speeches and seminars. Find her at www.relationshipsofgrace.com. 

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