We are going through the creamer in this office like it’s nobody’s business. I don’t mean that everyone is using a lot. I mean that an employee just came in and said, “We have a problem. We’ve gone through two boxes of vanilla creamer in two days. And the same thing happened last week. I think it’s time to put out another e-mail.” You see, we had this issue about two years ago, and the e-mail resolved the issue. So this is the e-mail I put out today:

“Re: Creamer thief

I am offering a half vacation day for any information leading to the individual or individuals responsible for the evaporation of two boxes of creamer in the last two days. In case you are curious, I have zero tolerance for theft on any scale. Thanks for your help figuring this out. (Those sitting near the break room door do have an advantage. I encourage you to “hawk” the break room, but please keep your frisking appropriate. Thanks!)”

My issue is, when it comes to ethics and integrity, we really have to show what we stand for every day. My experience in today’s world is the perception that if it isn’t money, it isn’t stealing. So often an employee’s value system says if the company makes it available, take it. Take as much as you need and use it however you see fit. It’s not stealing, it’s maximizing opportunity. So as I see it, I have a responsibility to tell them differently. I have a responsibility to frame it differently. I have a responsibility to point out ethical breaches, no matter how small, take a stand and educate.

The humor helps, but more importantly the above message gives my staff license to feel good about standing for what is right, honest and truthful. And I must say that we all enjoy working in that kind of culture. There is no question that culture creation starts with the leader. I encourage you to take the time to remind your employees about your value system and priorities. Those communications and conversations are invigorating and motivating. I would love to hear about your experience and its effect on your staff.