Ethics in the Workplace: The Four Unspoken Laws

An employee's relationship with their superior extends beyond the formal boundaries of their employment. Your employment contract may include rules regarding your working hours, appropriate conduct on the job, breaks, and other workplace regulations.

There are a lot of procedures and policies to learn and follow in the workplace. This isn't the sort of thing that gets you in trouble with human resources or the boss. Such actions will only serve to further isolate you from your colleagues.

Make an effort not to hog all the spotlight.

When it comes to working on a team, it's common for individuals to exaggerate their contributions. If you disagree with their assessment of their contributions, it's possible they still think they've been substantial.

Give credit where credit is due, even if you believe you are the one who paved the way. It's inevitable that your boss will figure out what's going on, but in the meantime, you'll earn a reputation as a leader while earning the respect and admiration of your peers.

The cardinal rule of not whining

Everyone in the workforce occasionally complains about some aspect of their job. If it is minor and happens rarely, there is no need for concern. It's not a good idea to be a negative person and set the tone for others to join in.

It's not healthy to try to impose an unwaveringly upbeat demeanor on others, but it's also important to maintain a positive outlook. If one person complains too much, the others may start to agree with them, but some may be thinking, "If it's so awful, why don't you just leave?"

True, and people who complain all the time are often seen as ungrateful. You can't afford to have your colleagues form such an impression of you.

Don't discount seniority or years of service.

It's not uncommon for some people to get comfortable in one place of employment and refuse to look elsewhere for a very long time. They might be average contributors, or they might not do much of anything. No matter the reason, this type of employee is typical in the business world. Recognizing the value of long-serving employees and treating them with the respect they deserve is essential at any level in an organization, including the executive suite.

Long-term employees are more likely to have built up a substantial professional network. Even if they have no interest in moving up the corporate ladder or leaving their current position, they know their worth and can help you avoid major setbacks if you need them to.

Just be a good person, that's all there is to it.

Simple gestures, such as inviting more people to lunch or saying hello to someone you just met, can go a long way toward upholding the unspoken code of conduct, which can be summed up as "be a good person who respects other people." Consider how you would like your child to behave once they have internalized good manners as a guide for their behavior.

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