“True North” in a professional environment
How do we dial in our “True North” on ethics in the workplace? How do we ensure that we really deploy ethical behavior, daily and deliberately, in a professional environment? Whether you are simply responsible for your own behavior, a small team, or an entire company, it is you who’s ought to set the right example.
Oxford describes “ethics” as moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity. These ethics are influenced by multiple factors such as life experiences, the environment you grew up in and more.
In the professional world, it is important to have a strong moral compass to guide your behavior and decision-making. This is especially true when it comes to issues of equality between men and women, work-life balance, and leadership. In this article we focus on these pain points because March was an eventful month. Being it International Women’s Day on March 8th or the implementation of the 4-day-work week in several counties.
We will explore how these issues intersect and how companies and Interim Managers can use their moral compass to create a more equitable and productive workplace.
- Equality between men and women
One of the most pressing issues in the professional world is achieving equality between men and women. This involves ensuring that both genders are given equal opportunities to succeed, are paid fairly, and are not subjected to discrimination or harassment.
A company with a strong moral compass will actively seek to promote gender equality in its workplace. This could involve implementing policies that address the gender pay gap, offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate family responsibilities, and providing training on unconscious bias and sexual harassment prevention. In addition, companies should actively work to recruit and promote women in leadership positions, creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
- Work-life balance
Another important issue in the professional world is work-life balance. An employee wants to be able to enjoy their personal lives without sacrificing their careers. However, achieving a healthy work-life balance can be challenging in a culture that values long hours and constant productivity. The implementation of the four-day work week might be able to help in the equivalation.
A strong moral compass can help employees to set boundaries and prioritize their time. By prioritizing their health and wellbeing, employees can become more productive and effective in their work. An Interim Manager is used to prioritizing their time and creating their own sustainable work-life balance.
- Interim management and a company’s moral compass
Interim management can be a powerful tool for companies looking to navigate change or overcome specific challenges. However, it is important that Interim Managers share the company’s moral compass and values, in order to ensure that they are aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.
A company’s moral compass should be reflected in the selection of interim managers. Companies should look for managers who share their values and are committed to ethical leadership practices. This could involve conducting interviews that assess the manager’s moral character, or requiring them to sign a code of ethics that outlines the company’s values. Wondering which Interim Manager is the right fit for your company, or the other way around? Don’t sweat it, that’s what we do at ADM: pairing up projects & profiles!
In conclusion a moral compass is the guiding principle that helps individuals distinguish right from wrong and navigate their actions in alignment with their values. In a professional environment, a strong moral compass is essential for effective leadership, decision-making, equality, work-life balance and creating a positive workplace culture. This is particularly true in interim management, where executives are brought in to guide a company through a period of change or transition. Leaders with a strong moral compass are able to inspire trust, build a culture of transparency and accountability, and create a valued-based workplace culture.
