Forum For Business September 2015 | Page 4

e x perie nc e e me r g e AMANDA FULTON United Way of Central Florida CONNECT ] EMERGELakeland.com Vol-un-teer-ism the policy or practice of volunteering one's time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one's community. This definition couldn’t describe our young professionals, in EMERGE Lakeland any better! While having busy lives it can be a challenge to find time to volunteer, however the young professionals shine every time! One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community; and that is just what the volunteer committee tries to accomplish with every project. Volunteering is a two-way street; it can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people and organizations in need. We started the year with “Spring Break & Baskets” back in April at the Explorations V Children’s Museum. The children of Lakeland were on Spring Break and we wanted to help with a project during that week. We had different stations to help them build their own basket stuffed with goodies; color an array of bookmarks and help them make their own spring card! In August, EMERGE Lakeland is “Going Back to School” adopting a local elementary school. We will have breakfast with the teachers and helpthem set- up their class rooms for the upcoming school year! And, the supplies needed, to leave with the teacher, are pouring in, thanks for our dedicated group of young professionals! We are also gearing up for the EMERGE Serves program which will begin in September! EMERGE Serves is a program designed to provide comprehensive training for young professionals interested in community service. This ten hour course will detail the fundamentals of effective board service. Program instructors are well-respected community leaders and non-profit agency directors froma wide variety of backgrounds and professions. I would like to leave you with a quote... attention to duty.” Regardless of your position in the organization; become a leader. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a ‘born leader.’ HELP ONE ANOTHER; THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT AND NO PRESENT LIKE THE TIME. - James Durst E thical L e a d e r s h i p a n Essen t ia l B usin e s s P r act i ce CARL HADDEN, SBDC AT USF POLK COUNTY An Internet search of professional ethics reveals many definitions. There are codes of ethics for educators, lawyers, realtors, public officials, law enforcement, and even members of the military. A common theme is that these codes of ethics focus on the actions of individuals, and do not address ethical leadership. Ethics are the consideration of right and wrong in the practical affairs of people. In the workplace, the leader must make the determinations of right and wrong. Employees will seek guidance, and the leader is responsible for their right and wrong actions. When creating an ethical climate, managers must keep the following in mind: Be aware of what 4 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS your employees expect of you. The manager is expected by others to behave ethically and responsibly, both personally and professionally. Set the example at all times. A second set of expectations flows downward and influences the ethical conduct of employees. Your employee’s perception of how managemen Ё