Code of Ethics : A Code to Live by for Endless Success
Values I live by that Resonate
In the initial days of my journey at NTT DATA, a seasoned mentor guided me through the company's core values—its "Code of Ethics." During these mentorship sessions, I appreciated his overall help, his will to help me grow, and also the opportunity I had to learn this set of values.
More than just a set of principles, these values are the fabric of the company's culture. They shape how we navigate interpersonal relationships, seek career opportunities, and experience the work environment.
Let’s delve into this Code of Ethics and see how useful they are for a company but also an individual.
Agios Georgios Beach In Corfu, Greece: A Tranquil Backdrop for Reflection
As I reflect on these principles, the serene setting of Agios Georgios Beach in Corfu, Greece, comes to mind. It's more than just a picturesque escape; it's a symbolic haven that mirrors the peaceful introspection that these values encourage. This image, captured from my personal collection, encapsulates the essence of a place where one can truly contemplate the values that guide one's professional journey.
Discerning Generosity: Doing through sharing
Whenever I learn something useful, a good programming practice, a Java library, something on the cloud or even a project management methodology, I like to share it. My colleagues appreciate it. It improves teamwork. This approach encourages my colleagues to do the same thing, I learn from them.
But this act, goes beyond the mere act of sharing knowledge; it encourages a discerning approach—a thoughtful and intentional sharing that transcends individual expertise. Believing in the power of collective growth, we understand that generosity is the cornerstone of innovation. Each shared piece of knowledge has a compound effect, contributing to the elevated quality and innovation that defines our work.
Believe in the power of sharing knowledge and expertise. It's not enough to know something. You have to contribute to the collective growth. Generosity is the cornerstone of innovation. Sharing knowledge has a compound effect in the long term and the overall quality is improved drastically.
Responsible Freedom: we do what we love.
The first thing I do in the annual goal-setting meetings with an idividual contributor is to ask, “What do you want to do?“. I want people to do what they love. This is what I do too. I encourage them to be free. Free does not mean that you can do whatever you want. You have to stay responsible and respect the commitments of the team, you have to deliver.
Sometimes it does not work. Sometimes I have to do what I don’t want to do. Sometimes I need to create a report in Excel format, for a project that didn’t go so well. In the long run, I try to do what I love.
"Responsible Freedom" is not just a phrase but a way of life. True passion is the driving force behind responsible freedom—the freedom to do what we love. Pursue your passion, turning responsibilities into joys, and excellence follows naturally. It's not merely about completing tasks; it's about creating a meaningful impact through work that resonates with individual passions, fostering a workplace where passion and productivity intertwine seamlessly.
Creative Energy: We love what we do.
When we start a new feature or project I ask my colleagues to bring in ideas. We discuss them. You never know who will have a new idea or a new point of view.
I remember a long time ago, we were starting a new big feature including advanced searching. I had discussed this with an experienced senior colleague and we were close to a solution. A newcomer proposed to use Elasticsearch which was new at the time. This was a great solution since Elasticsearch became a very advanced search engine. I was very happy that we chose this solution which came from a newcomer.
"Creative Energy" is a value that moves us forward. Creativity isn't just encouraged; it's a fundamental building block of progress. Every project is an opportunity to generate love and enthusiasm, crafting solutions with passion and energy. This love for what we do sparks innovation, this is what can set you apart in a dynamic and competitive landscape. This is how you can create something new and outstanding.
Consistency: We do what we say.
I want to be clear and consistent on what I do. I say something and I do it. I am reliable. Doing something repetitively brings big results in the long run. This is consistency.
Trust, a vital element of any successful organization, is built on consistency. "We do what we say" isn't merely a commitment—it's the essence of reliability.
Don’t just promise, deliver consistently. This commitment to consistency is how you can build lasting relationships—with clients, partners, and each other. This offers fulfillment when your colleagues trust you and everyday work is so much easier and more efficient.
Transparency: We say what we do.
I remember when at some point we had a budget cut. We had to lay off several people in the team. The director was hesitant to share the details. I believed that we needed to share the details and the reason. People need to know why.
Open communication is key. Transparency should define your interactions. Even if the conversation is difficult, be transparent, and share the successes and learnings openly. It's this transparency that strengthens the connections and builds a culture of trust.
The Broader Impact: Beyond Company Walls
These values extend beyond the company's walls. They are not just corporate guidelines; they are principles that hold relevance for individuals both within and outside the organization. These principles offer a powerful and useful framework for navigating professional and personal landscapes, a compass that goes beyond the confines of the corporate world.
Remember that as a person and as a leader especially, the way you behave establishes the way people will behave with you. It is like a reflection. If you are transparent, people will tend to be transparent with you, if you are positive with people, people will tend to be positive with you and so on.
In Conclusion
In embracing these principles, you can cultivate an environment where ethics isn't just a guideline but a way of life. The Code of Ethics is not merely a document; it's a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and ethical conduct. As we navigate the intricacies of the business world, these values stand as a guiding light, ensuring that technology and ethics go hand in hand.
I find these values powerful and useful for anyone, in and out of the company, at a company or an individual level. Take a moment to reflect on them, perhaps in a place that resonates with you. What values guide your journey?