We can condense the subject of ethics into one phrase: "Do what is right." And that's the problem, defining just exactly what 'right' means. Maybe i't time to explore some of these dilemmas and suggest some 'right' answers.

TOP DOWN ETHICS
It starts with the CEO of the organization. If shady, gray or illegal deals are made at that level, then permission has been given to everyone in the organization to do the same. For example, suppose you read, saw or heard news that the CBA company was just indicted for making a deal with the BCA company to fix prices in the chemical industry. This should tell you four things:

• The CEOs of both companies have questionable ethics (it takes at least 2 to make a deal),
  
• If you have purchased goods or services from either company you have probably been cheated by the pricefixing policies,
  
• You probably don't want to hire anyone from the management staff of either company, and
  
• You should immediately look for another source of chemical supplies.
  

JUST WHAT ARE 'ETHICS'?
Ethics are thoughts and beliefs based on your moral fiber. If a person has sleazy morals, then they probably also have sleazy ethics. Ethics are the Golden Rule brought home to your business. They are what keeps you from saying, "Yes!" when offered a 'deal of a lifetime' by a supplier who just may be peddling stolen goods. Your ethics are the factors that cause you to say, "Betty, you forgot this." without looking inside when your fiercest competitor leaves her briefcase under the chair at an association meeting. Ethics are knowing right from wrong, then doing what is right.

WHY BE ETHICAL?
In the long run, being ethical is good business. I say, "In the long run..." because in the short run being ethical could cost you a contract, trouble at the bank, or a myriad of other problems, depending on just how close to the edge you or your company is presently operating.

I would far rather make my deals with someone whose word I can trust; one who will do what they say, when they say they will do it, and not spring any surprises at the last minute. If you are like that, I want to do business with you, even if you charge a little bit more than 'Joe Sleaze.' Why? Because if Joe Sleaze does it to his boss or his company or his product, what is he doing to me? No, I want to do business with ethical people and ethical companies, and I'll bet you feel the same way.

HOW TO CHANGE
Being ethical includes being honest. If you feel the need to change from wherever you are on the ethical continuum to somewhere else, start by being honest with yourself. Here's how. Take out a sheet of paper and title it: MY VALUES. Now write what you value in your life. It may be time with your son or daughter, happiness, security or something else. You could have many values, but if you do, rank them in order. Spend some time with this task, it's important.

Here's where the honesty comes in. On another sheet of paper, list those tasks you absolutely MUST do for each listed value to occur. List everything! If you need time with a son or daughter, you will probably need financial security so you can take time off without fear of losing your job. You may need to get rid of your present job and become an entrepreneur to have happiness. Whatever it is, list it, then prioritize that list. Do the same thing for each of your values. Stand back and look at your lists. Are there some things in common? If so, star them, they are super important tasks!

Now put a timetable to your tasks. It may take three to six months to a year to achieve your goals, but chances are it will be more like three to six years to get everything accomplished. There will be some things that have to be done in parallel and some that depend on earlier accomplishments. Build a timeline chart with milestones of accomplishment. Put your chart on the refrigerator or your bathroom mirror where you can annotate it daily. Make your chart the most important task of each day.

You have started the change. Being honest with yourself means you can now be honest with others, and that is part of what we're talking about when we say, "Be ethical." Ethical people are honest.

OTHER AIDS
You don't have to be religious to be ethical, but for some it helps. I'm not saying that.going out and joining a church will make you ethical, it won't, and the church you actually join may be very important to your growth. Sit down and talk with the pastor or a knowledgeable someone in the specific church about what that church believes. If you have a problem with that belief, visit another then another church until you find one that has a jig-saw puzzle fit with you. Join that one. As I said, religion is not for everyone, but if it is for you, then get busy!

IS IT WORTH IT?
Ethical people tend to be very very happy. Their marriages are sound, their businesses are successful, their life is full of joy. Yes, it is worth it. Good luck.