When Is Enough, Enough?

Guidance Counselor Frank could not decide if he should sign the paper or not. If he put his name on the bottom line, it would provide a student with the opportunity for the scholarship, but not all the information was totally accurate. The student filled out the application and Frank was just verifying the content. The student's class rank was off by a few spots and his GPA did not include the last semester of class work, but the information was close and the differences would most likely not matter to the university that much. The deadline was last week so the application was postdated and Frank's signature would have to accompany a date of last Friday: not that big of a deal considering the dollars to be awarded to such a good student and an outstanding family.

Ethics in the workplace - there are many situations in the work environment that vibrate the tightrope of personal and profession ethics in decision making. A colleague who takes a double long lunch time without permission; an employee who comes in late three days a week or one who leaves early on a regular basis; a staff member who seems to talk more to friends and family on the phone than to clients and business contacts; the custodian who is often found in dark rooms with earphones in place and eyes half closed; the executive who uses slick words and deceptive "facts" to create a smokescreen of security.

The lines of right and wrong seem so clear to some people while quite blurred to others. In a world of relativism, the gray shades between black and white multiply in growing numbers. The areas of off white and deep charcoal are ever expanding, causing ethical issues to pulsate with unclear definitions. And yet, the ultimate truth of the Bible provides incredible clarity for those who embrace its authority. Without the foundation stones of universal standards, ultimate truth is unattainable and the opinion of the individual becomes the authority for the ethics of life. What is right for you is right for you - but don't force it upon me. I believe what I believe. I'm ok, you're ok, we are all ok, if we just remain true to our inner selves. Really???

Assuming that we hold to the truth of Scripture and live by the principles of the Bible... assuming that the teaching of Jesus and the words of the Old/New Testament echo in our hearts as the basis for decision making, then our ethic should be straight as a arrow and filled with personal and professional integrity. But what happens when it is not and our workplace begins to reflect questionable decisions and eyebrow raising activity?

I was playing a game of trivia pursuit recently and the question come up - What is the motto of the FBI? The answer surprised me - Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity. I thought to myself - "what a great set of core values and what a wonderful mission statement for business ethics." If we could be people of faithfulness, courage and honesty, most of the ethical dilemmas in the workplace would be easily solved.

When is enough, enough? At what point do we draw a line in the sand and be willing to fight for an ethical standard? When do we defend a mountain that's worth dying on? If we find ourselves surrounded with a lack of integrity and honesty; if the communication from the top is not accurate or filled with misconceptions and a deliberate song and dance to avoid reality, how long do we continue to identify with the organization? What is our ethical obligation? Do we become a whistler blower and cause an explosion of dissension and doubt? Do we quietly resign and move on to the ranks of the unemployed? Do we continue to raise our voices of discontent hoping to be heard in the offices higher up the food chain? Or do we ignore the situation and comfort our minds with the arguments that the responsibilities lie with others above our pay-grade?

The ethical demands of employment often run deep and cause us to evaluate and assess our tolerance of the gray. Whether we are to newest employee on the payroll or the top dog in the leather chair, decision making is a daily part of our lives. Whether we are a recruit, or a sargent, or a lieutenant, or a commanding officer, integrity must rule our minds; fidelity to God must reign supreme; and bravery to take our stand must stimulate of will. As you face the decision making process today, take up the spirit of the FBI.


Photo of Street sign found at https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rational/library/may06/pollice/