Written By Cari Borden

Let’s talk about ethics, that shiny plaque hanging in the lobby right under the “Mission & Vision” statement that no one remembers.

Most organizations proudly claim they’re built on integrity, honesty, respect, and transparency. Sounds noble, right? Until you realize those ethics were usually written by the very senior leaders who break them most creatively.

Because here’s the thing: when ethics are written top-down, they often become rules for everyone else. “Do as I say, not as I do” becomes the unspoken motto. It’s not about moral leadership; it’s about maintaining control. And that control stretches far beyond the walls of the office.

We now live in a world where organizations dictate what’s “appropriate” on personal social media accounts, how employees should express themselves online, and even what kind of humor might be considered “off brand.” It’s fascinating, companies want authenticity in marketing but compliance in people.

Is it any wonder younger generations are standing there, arms crossed, saying, “WTF, and why?” They grew up seeing hypocrisy play out in real time, and they’re not buying it anymore. They’re asking the questions leaders forgot to ask themselves:

• Who decides what’s ethical here?
• Does that apply to everyone, or just the lower ranks?
• And when was the last time ethics were lived, not laminated?

True ethics aren’t written in policy; they’re modeled in behavior. If leadership wants employees to care about ethics, maybe it’s time they start showing what that actually looks like.

Because ethics without accountability isn’t integrity—it’s branding.