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Just say no – firmly – to unethical clients
Listen to this articleHave you ever been asked to do something unethical by one of your prospects or clients?
Have you ever been pressured by a supervisor, manager or owner at your business to do something unethical?
Have you ever observed unethical behavior by a prospect or client?
In today’s business world, there are daily instances of unethical behavior. What a sad commentary on business and society.
Over the more than 40 years in my professional career, there have been instances where I have been approached by unethical prospects and clients. The good news is that I have been fortunate to have had strong ethical mentors and supervisors, managers and owners who supported my actions to turn away from the unethical requests and unethical clients and to report them to my superiors.
First-hand experience was gained especially while owning my own business. I made decisions to forego doing business with unethical prospects and clients, and that meant turning away very significant assignments.
One must always ask – what price do you put on your ethics? How can one justify a compromise of his or her personal and professional ethics?
It is essential to have good advice on how to reduce the chance of an improper request from a client or prospect and how to respond when approached by an unethical prospect or client. Here are tips to help guide you:
• Always present and project a professional image that reflects your integrity and your personal and company core values. This does mean always, not some of the time or most of the time.
• Respond directly, clearly and confidently by saying no to unethical requests and unethical prospects and clients.
