Starting An Ethical Career On The Right Foot

Michael Patterson, author of "Promotions Are Not Served At The Deli Counter", wrote a recent article that fits right in to what some of you may be telling your June graduates about the “real world”. Michael’s article is reprinted below. You can buy a copy of his book on Amazon or on his website http://www.mikepat.com/. His book is a straight talking gift for someone entering the workforce. Michael’s article below is full of good advice too!

Its All About Integrity, article by Michael Patterson

"Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." - dictionary.com

The easiest way to start demonstrating integrity in the workplace is to do what you say you are going to do. I've seen many instances where people make promises they can't keep. Even worse, people make promises they have no intentions on keeping in the first place. It's better to keep expectations low and exceed them than to constantly come short on what you said you were going to do. Keeping and delivering on promises not only show integrity, they also show dependability. Many of the supervisors I've worked with group employees into two categories: ones who are dependable, and ones who are not. When it comes time to give someone a big assignment to complete, which type of employee would they look to assign it? That big assignment is an opportunity for employees to show their abilities and audition for promotions, and the undependable employees are going to miss out.

I provided you the definition of integrity I found when looking it up on Dictionary.com. I tell people my definition is 'doing what you are supposed to do when you could easily get away with doing something else.' We all have responsibilities at work, and we should be aware of what we can or can't do. Most companies have detailed procedures which let you know what you can or can't do. Even if your company does not, I would bet your own determination of right and wrong will point you in the proper direction. I bet you've had a situation in work where you've said to yourself, or co-worker: "I wonder if I'll get in trouble if I do this?" Here is a helpful hint, if you are ever in a position where you are wondering if you should or shouldn't be doing something, you probably shouldn't be. This is what I would refer to as making a wise decision. I've heard people say this: "know I shouldn't do this, but nobody will know." This is where real integrity comes in. If you know you shouldn't do it, but do it anyway because no one is watching then you are lacking integrity. When you do get caught and justify your actions, or try and point the blame at another direction other than your own you are seriously lacking integrity.

I've worked at big banks during my 20-year career in banking. Big banks are usually all about the numbers. Shareholders like to see growth, and one of the ways to grow is increase checking accounts. In my book "Promotions Are Not Served At The Deli Counter" I tell a story about branch employees who would solicit customers to open up checking accounts for just one dollar. On top of that, the branch would charge the dollar to a random general ledger! Most times, these customers wouldn't deposit anything else; they are customers in name only. Sure, the branch got their goals, but they were seriously lacking integrity while achieving them. When the bankers got caught - and they always get caught, the only thing they ended up getting was a quick end to their banking career.

Understand what the right thing is to do each day at work, and do it. You will be better for it in the end.

Michael Patterson- author of "Promotions Are Not Served At The Deli Counter"http://www.mikepat.com/

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