Ethics: Yes, Even When Nobody is Watching | Dawne Ware | TEDxFairfieldUniversity

Summary

The speaker reflects on personal ethics, sharing stories about finding a wallet, raising children with integrity, and her professional experiences as a CPA and CEO. She emphasizes the importance of following the 'golden rule,' teaching honesty to her children, and leading by example in the business world. Ethical behavior, she argues, is not just about following rules, but doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. The speaker also touches on corporate ethics, the evolving responsibilities of companies, and the role of leadership in setting a positive ethical tone.

Takeaways

• 🐕 The speaker found a wallet and chose to turn it into the police, reflecting their ethical decision-making process.
• 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 The speaker emphasized teaching their children honesty by paying the correct ski ticket prices, even when no one was watching.
• ⚖️ Personal ethics are rooted in upbringing and experiences, with parents playing a crucial role in shaping moral compasses.
• 🧭 The speaker emphasized the importance of following the 'Golden Rule'—treating others as you would want to be treated—in both personal and professional situations.
• 🎓 As a CPA, the speaker follows a strict code of ethics and highlighted the role of professional ethics in maintaining accountability and integrity.
• 💼 The speaker believes that ethical behavior, transparency, and integrity are critical to leadership, especially in positions of authority like being a CEO.
• 📈 Ethical companies and leaders set the tone for their organizations by fostering transparency, fairness, and accountability.
• 🧑‍🏫 The speaker highlighted the role of mentors in shaping both personal and professional ethics, sharing examples of influential figures from their career.
• 🤝 Ethical decision-making in business involves treating employees, customers, and stakeholders with dignity, even in tough situations like layoffs.
• 🌍 Ethical considerations in modern business extend to emerging challenges like technology, AI, and data privacy, where companies must maintain integrity and transparency.

Q & A

What decision did the speaker make when they found a wallet in a parking lot?

The speaker decided to call the local police to report the found wallet and have officers retrieve it, rather than leaving it in a 'safe spot' or taking any other action.

How does the speaker's ethical decision-making extend to their role as a parent?

The speaker emphasizes that they and their spouse made honest choices in front of their children, such as paying the correct price for ski tickets based on their kids’ actual ages, to set an example of honesty and ethical behavior.

How does the speaker define personal ethics, and how do they influence day-to-day decisions?

The speaker defines personal ethics as a moral compass guiding actions and decisions in situations where no rules or laws apply. They highlight treating people fairly and doing what they would want others to do if roles were reversed.

What preconceived notion did someone express about the speaker's ethics after they were promoted to CEO?

Someone remarked that 'you don’t get to be where you are by following the rules,' implying that to be a CEO, one must have bent or broken rules. The speaker, however, disagrees and believes that their ethical nature contributed to their promotion.

How did the speaker’s parents influence their personal ethics?

The speaker's parents, particularly through their example of love, kindness, and integrity, instilled a strong moral foundation. Their father’s care for their mother during her struggle with Alzheimer’s exemplified deep personal ethics.

What does the speaker think is important when faced with a tough decision in business?

The speaker believes that tough decisions should be guided by fairness, transparency, and accountability. They often ask themselves if the way they're handling a situation is something they could defend to their family.

How does the speaker describe ethical leadership in a business context?

Ethical leadership involves being honest, fair, and open in dealing with others. It also requires setting a good example, taking accountability for decisions, and maintaining personal integrity, even in difficult situations.

What influence did Al, the speaker’s former CFO, have on them?

Al was a mentor who demonstrated trustworthiness, professionalism, and ethical behavior, all while managing volatile situations with grace. The speaker admired Al’s ability to maintain integrity and wanted to emulate those traits.

How does the speaker believe companies should respond to tough financial realities?

The speaker acknowledges that hard decisions, like cutting expenses or staff, sometimes need to be made. However, they emphasize the importance of treating people with dignity and being transparent in reasoning to maintain ethical standards.

What role do personal ethics play in navigating technological challenges in business, according to the speaker?

The speaker believes that with advancing technologies, companies must be led by individuals with strong personal ethics to govern how data is used, protect personal information, and handle the complexities of automation ethically.