What do you do when you discover something wrong in the workplace?
Do you report it or keep quiet?

Can we maintain our personal integrity and remain competitive?

How do we adhere to a code of ethics when so many seem to avoid playing by the rules?

In a new talk, based on his book, Jim Lichtman explores these questions and others from responses to a questionnaire sent out to more than 2,200 individuals - corporate leaders, journalists, athletes, political leaders, teachers and those who would call themselves "ordinary" Americans, along with this follow-up:

Describe a 'moment of principle' in which your convictions were tested or a story in which you were inspired by another."

"We know where we can find stories of people who do it wrong," Lichtman says, "but where can we find stories of people who do it right?'

What Do You Stand For? not only provides examples of people who do it right, but shares the core ethical values that motivate them to take action. Along the way, they inspire us all to live up to our highest values.

The Need for an Ethical Culture

In today’s highly competitive, performance-driven business climate, regulations are not enough; professional ethics codes are not enough; the old model of “business ethics” is not enough.

According to a 2003 survey of corporate directors and general counsel conducted by the National Association of Corporate Directors and the American Corporate Counsel Association, “…the two groups overwhelmingly agree that the single measure that would most improve corporate governance is the establishment by senior management of an ethical business culture.” And, “Another clear message of the survey is that ethical leadership from the top is the key to reducing corporate malfeasance.”

Considering the ethical failures in the last several years and the resulting crisis in confidence, a sincere commitment to creating and sustaining an ethical business culture in public and private sectors has never been more important.

If we are ever going to return to the level of trust and confidence that we had in our institutions and each other, we need to take a good look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we stand for.