The six pillars within the Character Counts program have never been so important to employees and employers as today in these uncharted and choppy business waters.  A recent SHRM-sponsored study discovered the most egregious misconduct witnessed by HR professionals was abusive and intimidating behavior by other employees.  According to Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations (FSGO) seven elements are important to a complete ethics and compliance program.   Employers:  check it out!  Did you know that the Character Counts program used within your kids’ schools also has a program for use within your business.  In Iowa, contact The Drake Center for Character Counts .    The six pillars of character are:

Trustworthiness — encompasses honesty, integrity, reliability and loyalty.  Being trustworthy means keeping promises and doing one’s best not to deceive, even with white lies or statements that one migh defend as “technically true.”

Respect — The golden rule of treating others as you wish to be treated applies.  Be courteous, listen to others, and accept (don’t have to agree) differences.

Responsibility — Accountability, self-control and the pursuit of excellence.  We MUST get back to these qualities.  Also, being responsible means we must carefully consider the consequences of our choices BEFORE we make them.  Harsh words spoken can’t be taken back.  You can’t unrin a bell. 

Fairness — Playing by the rules and not taking advantage of others is fairness.  A fair person makes informed judgments without prejudice and does not blame others.

 Caring — Kindness, compassion, altruism — these are the heart of ethics.  Of course some ethical decisions inevitably cause pain, but the caring person acts to minimize hardship and to help others whenever possible.

Citizenship — Good citizens work to make their homes, businesses, jobs, associations and environment a better place.  We American citizens use the democratic process.  Good citizens know how their government works, know the laws that impact them and seek information to understand issues. 

The six pillars are so fundamental and yet so often abandoned when times are tough, people are nervous, change is everywhere and others are not treating you the way you want to be treated. 

Employees and employers will be better if the six pillars of character are sustained.    

Above information taken from:  SHRM Business Ethics Survey, Aliah Wright, SHRM Online’s Ethics and Sustainability Focus Area