Ethics?

 Recently in a Continuing Education Class, the topic of Ethics arose.  As the participants shouted their definition of ethics, one definition stood out among the rest, “If I don’t feel some one is ethical, I don’t want to be seen speaking to them, I don’t want others to ‘think’ we are friends or I’m unethical too.” This shocking statement, created some self-realization that maybe, I just didn’t know how I looked through other people’s eyes.  Did this person really think that I lacked ethics, and if so, how do I change his mind?

At every point in her career, a community manager or Board Member is faced with a choice to follow their inner moral code or not.  Sometimes, when choosing the latter the community manager or board member rationalizes and justifies her decision, “I’m wearing the black eye for the entire industry;” “I needed to feed my children that week.”  Ultimately in the end, the manager or director not following the ethics, code of conduct or legal requirements set forth by CAI and the NRED CIC Commission, loses their reputation.  Once her reputation is tarnished, maintaining employment or a board position in this industry is increasingly difficult, it doesn’t matter how well her management or director skills are honed.

Practicing ethics in today’s world is an increasing challenge and is immeasurable.  The ethics of this writer may be different than the reader’s ethics.  Some people define ethics as what is legal; however, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s ethical.  If one travels down the unethical path, how does one get their ethics back?

It’s easy for the industry to continue to condemn managers or board members, if they are continuously beating themselves up for the mistake.  Accepting the error that was made and attempting to make amends to the people that were hurt by the oversight, demonstrates that the manager or director has acknowledged the gaffe. Then, they can take the situation as a learning experience and teach other managers and directors how the lapse has affected their life and encourage others to not make the same miscalculation.  Once the colleagues and homeowners see that she has learned from the action and accepted the consequences of her actions, they may be willing to understand the situation.  This demonstration of skill may regain the trust of a manager’s or director’s associates and teammates.

Now that the faux pas has been acknowledged the next step is to take action to rectify and correct the wrong.  This is easier said than done, if the inaccuracy includes one of CAI’s top Ethic Complaints; Embezzlement, Fraud, Forgery, Theft, Misappropriated Funds, Conflict of Interest, Price Fixing or Unlicensed Practice.  If the mistake concerns embezzlement, do not rationalize the theft, offer to make amends and repay the victim.  If it concerns improper transition or failure to turn over documents, agree to improve the transition process in the future always remain civil and professional.  If it concerns conflict of interest, practice disclosure, no matter how silly or inconsequential the conflict may seem.  If you are unlicensed, get licensed don’t practice law, insurance or any other profession without the proper license.  Above all, maintain your model professionalism, composure and a positive attitude.

Against sociology beliefs, when I encounter a member of the industry that others view as unethical, I’m intrigued.  Not because I want to learn to be unethical, but because I want to learn from her mistakes.  Every day the CIC Industry can learn something new from each participating member, even those judged to be the most unprincipled, can teach future manager’s the utmost in ethics.  How?  At one point a good manager made a poor decision.  Future managers should be shown, there are reinforcements to improper decision making to prevent a future mistake.

 

Ultimately, the choice to be ethical, moral and just, lies within each individual.  It is taught by society, parents, families, associates and friends.  I made the choice to think positive and make upbeat decisions in regards to the Associations I manage. 

 

Positive work attitudes say, “I can achieve success.”  Negative work attitudes say, “I cannot achieve success.”  When negativity is exhibited by expecting challenges and difficulties, interactions with industry professionals are strained.  People don’t always want to be around, not only do they not trust an alleged unethical manager, but the alleged unethical manager’s view of the industry is dismal and bleak, creating an even greater divide.

 

Being happy is a choice, to look at the brighter side of life and staying optimistic.  Smiling is contagious, do it often, it helps to stay optimistic.  Associate yourself with happy people that are inspiring, well respected and ethical.  These professionals may often change your thought process and encourage you to make more rewarding, ethical choices.  Most importantly treat people how you would like to be treated, and ask, “Would I do this if my grandma, dad, mom, kids, grandkids (insert your person of choice) could see me now?”