Guide to Business Ethics Training

Define your goals before beginning business ethics training

Know your destination before you begin the journey. Clearly identify what you want your employees and your business to gain from training in business ethics.

I recommend: Discover your "ethical style" by taking this free quiz from the Center for Ethics and Business of Loyola Marymount University. Then use your findings to decide what type of business ethics education would most benefit your company.

Invest in business ethics training

Take the time to research your options and invest in a business ethics education program that can be tailored to fit your business. Whether you plan to train your entire staff or just want to sharpen your own leadership skills, there are several methods of business ethics training, including seminars in business ethics, webinars, online training and even hiring an ethics coach to work in-house.

I recommend: Professional Services Source offers a number of business ethics programs that can be customized to fit your business's needs. RGI International provides onsite business ethics training, as well as online courses. You can also take seminars in business ethics from RedHawk Communications or business ethics training from The Richardson Company.

Establish a workplace code of ethics

Establishing a code of ethics should be a key component of your business ethics education. Make sure it relates to your business based upon the values of treating your customers, vendors, community and employees with integrity and respect.

I recommend: The Ethics Resource Center offers a helpful Ethics Toolkit for business ethics training and guidelines for writing your Code of Ethics. The Illinois Institute of Technology's Center for the Study of Ethics also offers a list of Resources for Writing a Code of Ethics.

Transform your business ethics education into everyday practice

Integrate your business's ethics code into your company culture and use what you learn in every aspect of your business. There is no point in going through business ethics training if you don't consistently reinforce the basics after the training has concluded.

I recommend: Encourage your staff to meet regularly and engage in conversations about your company's values and ethics. As part of your training in business ethics, sign up to receive free newsletters from CharacterCounts! to spark ideas and offer inspiration.