Everyone has rules that they live by. We all have an internal moral code that guides the decisions that we make. We all know our own limits. Some people have no problem lying about something that happened at work or stealing from an employer. We all make personal decisions on a daily basis about whether we will do something immoral or against the rules. And if everyone else had the same values that we do, work would be a pleasant place all the time. But we all have different views of right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable. This is why we all have to find a way to guard our personal values at work.

Some people like nothing better than constantly gossiping about what other coworkers do. For these people, it is an easy way to make the day go faster. But for those who are the victims of the gossip, it can be embarrassing and hurtful. So do you go along with what everyone else is doing so you can be “one of the gang”, or do you draw the line and not participate? This is a decision that only you can make. But think about this the next time you are tempted to spread the latest office gossip. What if the gossip is about you? Is that okay with you? Do you mind that others are talking about your personal life? 

The same thing could be said about stealing office supplies. Sure, it’s just a pen or a few paperclips, and there are thousands of them in the storage room, so why not just take a few home?  Some people see nothing wrong with this, but it is stealing and if the boss finds out, it could cause a lot of trouble. Of course, if you refuse to do it, then others might think you’re a goody-two-shoes. So, do you stick to your own values of right and wrong or do you go along with the crowd?  

These are just a couple of examples of decisions we all have to make on a daily basis. Some people would not think twice about doing these things and others are utterly disgusted by those who do these things. So we all have to ask ourselves whether we can live with going along with the crowd. Our answer to that question shows what kind of employee we are.