ecdd1157 - Honesty

HONESTY

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Client - Ethics, Professionalism and Integrity [Mission, Vision & Values]

Maintaining healthy relationships with our clients and peers is essential to quality service. Honesty is a cornerstone in these relationships.

Sounds pretty basic, doesn't it? We must be honest in intent and action, be forthright, consistent and courageous, be sincere and genuine. We have to filter out our own perceptions and biases and deal with the facts. We must never misuse that which has been given in trust. Without honesty we have no integrity, credibility or pride.

Being honest means being fair and just, knowing what's right and what's wrong. But what about all the grey areas? Some of the participants who helped define our values, suggested that asking ourselves four questions could help us choose a course of action in many cases. These are: Is my decision moral? Is it ethical? Is it affordable? Is it legal?

We must aspire to the highest codes of conduct and to decisions based on evidence rather than on personal bias or discomfort. Honesty combined with compassion, respect, sensitivity and professionalism builds our credibility and reputation with our coworkers, clients, communities and partners. Honesty is a commitment to truthfulness in intent, word and action.