"Word"

Heard from some very "old school" people that "in the day" a person was only as good as their "word."

What happened to those days?  When did our "words" loose the value that they once held?  Can we ever get back to that time?

Looking at where we are today, I do believe that soon that principle of a man's word being their bond will be back.  When you have to look eye to eye with your fellow man and what you carry on your back is just about all you have, your word is all that will keep you alive.  Good idea to start now and say what you mean and mean what you say, and when you give your "word" keep to it.

Jeff


DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

"TRUST"

As we approach the end of 2011 and try to figure out how things will fare in 2012, the one word that keeps popping up seems to be "trust!"

Noun:	Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
Verb:	Believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of.
Synonyms:	noun.  confidence - faith - credit - reliance - belief verb.  believe - confide - rely - credit - hope

Is there someone or something in your life that you "trust?"  Not just "can I trust you?" or "trust me!"

In the coming times I'm convinced that knowing who you can really "trust" will be critical to your survival.  Be sure you are "trusting" the right people, places or things that pass through your life!

If you do have someone that you trust, how were you able to make that leap of faith?  Was it a "gut" feeling or did you do your research?  What was it that allowed you to put 100% of your trust into this other person?

Share your thoughts if you trust this might help others!


DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Be sure the "Truth" is perceived correctly!

Very good business article in the OC Register Saturday, Sept 24, 2011 by Stephen Wilbers!  In essence it states that you must be sure your statements to others are perceived correctly.  Often times when you tell someone something, the manner or way in which you tell it might be wrongly perceived.  Just be sure the person you are talking to fully understands the "truth" you are telling them.


DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

"Every Day a Friday" by Joel Osteen

Started reading "Every Day a Friday" by Joel Osteen (Lakewood Church, Texas) and wanted to suggest it to those that now or will someday be following this Blog.

Joel Osteen is a very Positive and Spiritually motivating speaker and author.

Let me know your thoughts on this book?

Jeff



DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Calling in "Sick"

Is it "legal" to call in "sick" even if you are not sick but just looking to extend your time off?  Yes it is legal but is it ethical?  Of course you can rationalize that you are given a number of sick days per year and you should use them!
What happens if you are really sick and you need the sick time that you used for other reasons?

Jeff


DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Embellishing the Story!

Have you ever told a story and added things to it that did not really happen?

Have you ever told a story and made your involvement bigger or more than it really was?

While this of course is not "illegal" question is "Is it Ethical"?

Jeff


DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Who are we?

Do you sometimes question your own motives, question your actions, question the words you choose?

If you do, it is your inner person asking the questions that you should be asking "Is it Ethical?"

I believe that all "Humans" default towards evil, greed, corruption and desire for power.  However, one major advantage we all have is the ability to overcome this "default" setting and choose the "high road!"

As you continue to strive for excellence, your ability to question everything you do, hear and say sets you apart from what I like to call "the dark side of reality!"

Choose the Ethical path, choose to help others first, choose to take responsibility and continue to ask the question "Is it Ethical?"

Jeff



DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

"No Problem" "Don't Worry" "You can Trust me!"

Do we often say these words without giving much thought to what we are really saying?  Do you think it would be more ethical if you said, well that could be a problem, but I will do my best, or worry will not really change anything so let's look for the best in a situation, or can that person "really" trust you?

Give more thought to what words you choose to say and what they really mean.  Is a promise really a promise and will you really do what you say?

If you continue to try to be Ethical in all your words and deeds, those around you will take notice and your name will be held in high esteem. Don't give in to the temptation to be unethical and think no one will notice.

DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Ethics in Government!

We all know that most Politicians have either gone to Law School or they are Attorneys!  So you can assume that everything they say or do is most likely "Legal!"

However, is what the say and do always "Ethical?"

Everyone is now putting their own "Spin" on just about everything that everyone says!  With that said you should always investigate for yourself the things you hear from the "media."  No matter if it is something from someone you have more confidence in or not.  With the internet there is no reason that you can not get both sides of any story, and check out the facts.  Do not just start passing off information you received from another source without verifying it.

Continue to ask yourself the question "Is it Ethical?" and then post those questions here.

Jeff


DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Put Ethics First, then Customers and Profits - Management Tip of the Day - September 8, 2011 - Harvard Business Review

Put Ethics First, then Customers and Profits - Management Tip of the Day - September 8, 2011 - Harvard Business Review:

'via Blog this'

DISCLAIMER:All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Stretching The Truth! "White Lies!"

What does that mean to you, stretching the truth or white lies?  Seems like it is self rationalization for something that you know is not right.  A way to convince yourself that what you are about to do or doing is "ethical!"

Again, the best test would be "is it legal" and if not than it is certainly not ethical.  But what if it is Legal (no law against it) but it does not seem right unless you justify to yourself?

Heard about an employee that was asked by his boss what he would do if he knew a vendor had overpaid for a job the company did for them.  The employee told his boss that he would tell the vendor of the mistake and pay the over payment back to the vendor.  With that a short time later this employee was terminated for what the company called an economic roll back.  Do you think the employee was let go for that reason or telling what felt was the best thing to do in that situation?  Should the employee said something different, or was it a no-win situation.  Maybe the best answer would have been "what do you think the company should do?"

Ethics!


DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Ethics Officer!

What does it mean to be a companies Ethics Officer?  Did the company just promote someone into that position just to fill that position, or was the person actually qualified?  What qualifications does it take to be an Ethics Officer?

Seems there are a lot of questions that can be posed about an Ethics Officer!  Does the company you work for have an Ethics Officer?  Are you an Ethics Officer?  Is there an actual job description of an Ethics Officer?

Here is something from www.wisegeek.com:

An ethics officer is someone who aligns the practices of a workplace with the stated ethicsand beliefs of that workplace, holding people accountable to ethical standards. Ethics officers are an increasingly common sight in the business community, and they can also be found at colleges and universities, where ethical conduct is often an issue of grave concern for students and staff. Special qualifications are not required to act as an ethics officer, although people in this position generally tend to have excellent ethics.

Ethics officers perform a number of important tasks. They can help their employers develop codes of ethics so that a clear standard is created, and they also establish clear consequences for violations of these codes, so that everyone at a company understands that he or she will be held ethically accountable. Ethics officers may also enforce ethical codes, and make adjustments to the code as needed.

Someone who works as an ethics officer usually looks at the letter of the law when formulating policy, in addition to the industry standard. The law may provide a surprising amount of ethical wiggleroom, which means that it is up to individuals to do the right things, and sometimes industries as a whole may collectively come to ethical agreements. For example, it is not illegal to cheat on exams, but colleges and universities usually have policies in place which are designed to prevent cheating because they feel that it is unethical

Here is another link you might want to check out! Does your organization need an Ethics Officer

Bottom line question would be Is your Ethics Officer Ethical?

Jeff

DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Looking for "Coverage" in all the Wrong Places!

Over the years I have spent in the Claims Adjusting Profession, early on (1970's) Insurance companies were "cash" rich and looking for ways to not only pay claims, but to purchase whatever was needed to do the job.  As time went on and the Stock Market started to decline, carriers were not making as much on their investments and they were not so "cash" rich any longer.  What was once a ratio of for every dollar brought in you spent 1.20 or more was a way of the past.  Now the carriers were looking for more like for every dollar in you spent .90 on claims.

Thus, the focus went from looking for coverage, to looking for exclusions or other ways to deny the claim.

My question would be is it Ethical when handling a claim for an Insured that is paying your company a premium for coverage, to teach the adjusters to look first for a way to deny.

The Spin of course is that the carriers are getting so many claims that they must use a filter to eliminate the ones that have no potential of coverage.  Fact is that if the carriers hired more adjusters they would be able to handle ALL the claims in a fair and ethical way.

You be the Judge!  Let me know your thoughts and answer the question "Is it Ethical?"

DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Common Sense versus Ethics!

Are they one in the same?  You would think so, but often time they are worlds apart.  For example, you give the clerk a $10.00 bill for the purchase of your $6.50 item.  The clerk mistakenly gives you back change for a $20.00 bill.  Now common sense tells you this is too much money, and you should inform the clerk!  Then you quickly rationalize that the store makes a lot of money and will not miss the over payment.  Your common sense forgets to mention to you that the clerk will most likely have to pay the store back out of their own pocket.

Now clearly this is unethical for you not to let the clerk know of the over payment to you!  The Ethical thing would be to give the money back!

Jeff

DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

What does your "gut" say besides I'm Hungry?

Whenever you think about actions you are going to take, or decisions you are going to make, deep down in the pit of your stomach you get a feeling.  Don't ignore it, think about it, then think about it again!  Although it may be legal, is it ethical?

Send in your "is it ethical" questions

Jeff

DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.

Ethics?

First we need to all be on the same page, or at least as close to the same page as we can be.  Looking at the definition of Ethical according to Wikipedia:
     Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that addresses questions about morality — that is, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime, etc.


     Morality (from the Latin moralitas "manner, character, proper behavior") is a sense of behavioral conduct that differentiates intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good (or right) and bad (or wrong). A moral code is a system of morality (for example, according to a particular philosophy, religion, culture, etc.) and a moral is any one practice or teaching within a moral code. Immorality is the active opposition to morality, while amorality is variously defined as an unawareness of, indifference toward, or disbelief in any set of moral standards or principles.


     Virtue (Latin: virtus, Greek: ἀρετή "arete") is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or quality subjectively deemed to be morally excellent and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. Personal virtues are characteristics valued as promoting individual and collective well being. The opposite of virtue is vice.


Now that we have Ethics and Morality and Virtue all on the same page, we can move forward and the best way to move forward is to ask questions.  For example having insider trading information in and of itself does not have any ethical or legal implications.  However acting on that knowledge, such as buying or selling stock in that company does.  Not only is that illegal is is unethical.  Advertising that you conduct your business in a certain way and then doing things that are not as you indicated may not be illegal, but is certainly unethical.


When trying to determine if something you have done or about to do is or borders on unethical, you can give it the "Is it Ethical" test.
     1.  Share your thought with someone else, someone you know can make a good value judgement.
     2.  Write down what you plan on doing, leave it for a few days, then go back and read it.
     3.  Do you have to rationalize with yourself why this is a good idea and why you feel it is or is not ethical.
While there are more things we can add to the "test" will leave it at that for now!
Please ask the question "Is it Ethical" and lets see what others have to say.


Jeff
     

DISCLAIMER: All Blogs and Blog Posts written by, created by, edited by, reviewed by and published by the Owner, Editor or Designer, Jeff Weiss, Jeffrey M Weiss or Weiss, are just "opinions! There is absolutely no "legal" bases or claimed legal bases for any of the statements. These "Blogs" and "Stories" are posted only for the enlightenment of the readers. When actual names are used the Reader should verify all the statements before formulating an opinion of their own. Nothing in any of these Posts should be considered "FACT" until the reader has verified it for themselves. Those who Post a response or reply do it at their own peril and this Blog Post and its owners do not share in or carry any liability or responsibility for their comments.