“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn
It is very difficult for an employee to do the right thing when surrounded by colleagues with low standards.
It is equally difficult for an employee to suggest positive changes when no one else does.
The ethical leader knows the importance of listening up, of speaking up, of modeling good behavior.
Today, look for a sign that a colleague wants to speak up and listen. Speak up yourself about something you believe is not quite right. Start in small, non-threatening ways. Perhaps you simply suggest for your group to make a list of obstacles they’d like to remove to make their job more fun. Over time, with practice, you can start discussing compliance issues and even ethical issues.
Start today. If it doesn’t work, try again tomorrow. Before long, an ally will emerge. There will be two of you. Then three. Then four and five. And you’ll become the average for anyone who interacts with you.
The Ethical Leader 