ETHICS HIT LIST Consultant
Beverly Girard, PHD, MBA, RD, SNS
So, okay, we don’t typically think of a HIT LIST when we think of ethics, but more about that in a minute. Like you, I would like to see more ethical leaders… in government, in business, in school districts, and yes, in school nutrition. I am not saying that our profession lacks ethics, because it certainly does not. However, we are in a profession that is ripe for scrutiny. We handle money, and in some cases, millions and millions of dollars. We sign purchasing contracts. We manage other people, and we are in the public eye. All of these responsibilities can put a big red target on our backs unless we choose, every day, to act in an ethical manner. In other words, we make a conscious decision to follow and enforce the rules…or we don’t. One of my least favorite expressions is “I will do as I want now, and ask permission later.” No, not when we are responsible for federal dollars and local student payments. School district personnel across the nation have been embarrassed, and worse yet, investigated, even arrested, because someone didn’t think about the results of their behavior and decision making.
that an ethical violation can be one of commission or omission. A person may commit an ethical violation by choosing to ignore regulations or protocols, hoping they won’t get caught, which is an act of commission. Examples of acts of omission might be a failure to follow
through, a failure to report an incident – anything that a reasonable person knows should be handled appropriately. You have been patient, so I now give you the ethics HIT LIST!
H Honesty – ethical people are honest people. They don’t need anyone to remind them of the rules. They are governed by an internal compass of right vs. wrong. I Integrity – simply, what we do when no one is looking. Whether we are in front of a crowd, or behind closed doors, our behavior and our story doesn’t change.
T Trust – an earned belief or confidence.
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L Legal – ethical leadership helps us avoid legal issues. In today’s litigious society, we may still encounter unwelcome legal issues, but we are much better positioned when we focus on being legally correct. I Improved Morale – staff morale increases when a sense of fairness and equity prevails at a workplace, both of which have their basis in ethical management of people. S Success and Status – success and status are maintained when a leader promotes ethical behavior of themselves and their staff. Success and status can be obliterated when ethical leadership is disregarded. T Transparency – ethical people are transparent people. They have nothing to hide.
Here’s a crash course in ethical leadership.
1. The money isn’t yours. The same is true for food, equipment, resources, computers, everything. 2. You don’t own anyone. 3. No one owns you, but they can tell you what to do, and what not to do. Ethos, the Greek word from which ethics is derived, means moral character. Aristotle explained that people with character are credible. Ethics means that we hold ourselves to commonly agreed upon values. If your school district or your department has a Code of Ethics, get to know those guidelines, as they are directions, not suggestions. Realize
Beverly Girard is a leader and mentor in child nutrition. Beverly was the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in Sarasota County Schools, Florida for 28 years, and previously served as an Area Supervisor for Palm Beach County Schools. She has presented at numerous local, state, and national meetings, and played a key role in Child Reauthorization in 2015. She is a certified facilitator and mediator, and many of her 60+ previous dietetic interns currently hold key positions in school nutrition and the K12 industry. Under Beverly’s direction, Sarasota County Schools was awarded many state and federal grants, including two separate $100,000 USDA Farm to School Implementation Grants. Beverly’s practical experience and sense of humor will bring your training to life! Beverly Girard, PhD, MBA, RD,SNS
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