Nothing is simpler than to find something to complain about. We can simply sit where we are, look around, and find one thing that’s not quite right, or one thing that’s not quite what it ought to be (but according to who?).
There is something else that requires barely more effort. Finding something to be grateful for. It requires a little more effort because our brains are wired to find what is wrong. That’s how we survived. But sabretooth tigers don’t roam the plains anymore and poisonous berries are not sold at the grocery store. We can relax a bit.
Ethics & Compliance Officers are supposed to look for what’s wrong and prevent risk. The nature of the job can lead to a pessimistic view of the world, if we let it. This is why it is so important for us to hunt for the good. It is as simple as looking at the value we bring to that one employee who calls with a question, the one who reports wrongdoing, the one we recognize for ethical behavior, etc.
Our job requires that we help people. That’s something to be grateful for.
The Ethical Leader 