Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review

September 30, 2015

Know When to Speak Up About an Ethical Issue

Sometimes you sense that something isn’t right at work. Maybe you suspect that a finance colleague is fudging numbers or that a coworker often sneaks out early. How do you know if it’s worth speaking up? Here are some tips for these tricky situations:
  • Consider what’s really at risk. If a coworker leaves early, ask yourself why that bothers you. Is the issue important to the company or only to you?
  • Understand people’s motivations. Before assuming the worst, try to learn why it’s happening. Your colleague might be fudging the numbers because he’s afraid of losing his job.
  • Talk to the perpetrator first. Before taking the problem to your boss, give the person a chance to explain. Ask questions rather than accusing.
  • Escalate when necessary. If needed, share what you’ve learned with your boss. And be open to new information that might change your perspective on the situation.


Adapted from “How to Speak Up About Ethical Issues at Work,” by Amy Gallo.


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