It seems that every time we turn around, another story appears in the news about unethical behavior at work. Unfortunately, unethical (and sometimes even illegal) behavior seems to be more common on the job than ever, and hits all of us in the pocketbook one way or another.

Take the individual who was fabricating stories for one of our major newspapers. He didn't travel to interview folks for his articles (one of his interviewees was supposedly rescued POW Private Jessica Lynch), but instead sat in his apartment, making up the stories off the top of his head.

It turns out that he may have a book and movie deal in mind, detailing how he was clever enough to fool the bosses at his newspaper. Should his unethical behavior be rewarded?

In your own workplace, have you run into people of dubious ethics -- for instance, individuals who say one thing and actually do another? Whether by lying, stealing someone's ideas or property, falsifying documents, or failing to do the right thing, unethical behavior has no legitimate excuse at work or anywhere else.

One can fall into the trap of saying that "everybody does it," but that won't fly. Honesty is always called for, even when those around you refuse to honor a higher moral standard. It's called being courageous.

It takes courage to stand up and say, "I won't join in," when other people are taking inappropriate action that is clearly wrong. It takes courage to speak the truth-even when you sometimes have to say the emperor has no clothes.

Practicing ethical behavior will keep you on the right road as you reach for success in your career. Taking unprincipled shortcuts to achievement will never be the appropriate path for the truly successful person.

© Kathy Sanborn
Life Channels Staff Writer
All Rights Reserved

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