Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. What gave them the strength to take action and persist? Why do we remember them today? It was their character. Their actions were guided by virtues that continue to inspire us today. Ethics codes also speak of virtues or qualities that guide conduct in the workplace.

 

The Ethics Resource Center (www.ethics.org) has a list of virtues or values that lead to ethical behavior. Many organizations highlight these virtues in their ethics code (and link them in all aspects of the workplace).

 

Appreciation: recognizing the quality, value or significance of people and things

 

Authenticity: the quality or condition of being trustworthy or genuine

 

Collaboration: to work cooperatively especially in a joint intellectual effort

 

Equality: the right of different groups of people to receive the same treatment

 

Fairness: belief in equality and respect for the rights of others

 

Optimism: continue to see goodness in myself (and others) and have faith that I willcontinue to improve

 

Respect: do what is best for myself and others; acknowledge the innate worth of myself and others and treat people accordingly.

 

Also see values “worth sharing” at Values.com.