Ask The Board: Do You Have A Personal Code Of Ethics That Guides Your Decisions?

Alan Leibowitz
Alan Leibowitz
August 21, 2018
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As NAEM members we are fortunate to share a profession where if we do our jobs well we make the world and people's lives better. To make that opportunity a reality we must operate according to an ethical code that places fundamental values at the forefront of everything we do. In my case my commitment to always "doing the right thing" was briefly rewarded mid-career when I was made the Chief Ethics Officer at a particularly challenging period in our history. While that role was sometimes unpleasant given the glimpses into the darker sides of human nature it afforded it clearly demonstrated the value of a strong ethical compass. While that path has not always been simple I have found it much easier to sleep at night when I know I am making choices that I can feel good about.

That's not to say that the best ethical choice is always obvious. Many of our decisions are not clearly black or white but lie in a gray area of choosing between less than ideal alternatives. For me I always have tried to think about the best choice as the one I would be comfortable asking my mother, wife or child to live with. In many cases these choices have both financial and human costs that must be explained and in some cases sold to those affected and those making the final decisions. While individuals may on occasion take some convincing to move in the right direction I have never met anyone who would not chose the ethical path once it was plainly identified. One challenge with this approach is to recognize that everyone has different beliefs and values particularly when working internationally. Protecting life, comfort and community must be the goal not imposing personal morality.

My personal code of ethics can be stated in just a few simple principles.
  1. 1. Never take an action that I would be uncomfortable defending in a public forum.

  2. Never take a position contrary to my beliefs for career safety or financial gain.

  3. Stand up for those who may not have the position or technical knowledge needed to protect themselves

  4. Always tell the truth. I may be wrong or unable to provide full information but when I do speak it is what I believe to be true.

Though the course of my career I have often counseled fellow professionals facing difficult decisions whether in my role on ethics boards or as a friend known for making tough choices. I have always recommended making the choice that you will not regret. Jobs and coworkers come and go but we always have to live with ourselves.
Topics: Leadership & Careers Leadership Advice
Tags: Leadership Advice Leadership Skills

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About the Author

Alan Leibowitz
Alan Leibowitz
EHS Systems Solutions
Alan Leibowitz, CIH, CSP, FAIHA is President of EHS Systems Solutions LLC (EHS-SS) following a long career as the senior EHS and Security leader for ITT. He has been recognized for his work leading development of the first ANSI Management System Standard, ANSI Z10, and by Newsweek magazine for the ITT sustainability program. Alan is a leader in professional and industry group activities, including his current role on the Boards of Directors for the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (formerly ABIH), the Center for Safety and Health Sustainability (CSHS), and The Occupational Hygiene Training Association (OHTA).

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