I just wrote my Mom's eulogy so I have spent the last several days contemplating her legacy. It made me realize the true value of keeping legacy in mind every day- for each decision, each action, each time we interact with one another. It can be easy to lose sight of these truly important things in our fast-changing and complex world.

What will be your legacy? Mom was a teacher and grade-school librarian so her legacy was much more far-reaching than her immediate family and friends. One thing was clear to anyone whose life she touched, she always gave her best and expected the same of those she loved, cared about and watched over. Her grade-school students not only learned proper grammar and how to write a paper, they also learned discipline and respectful behavior. They learned to always do your best, try your hardest and make someone you love and respect proud. Those lessons are her enduring legacy, and for that I will always be grateful. I imagine the same is true for her students.

As a leader, what will your legacy be?

Labels: cultural capital, employee engagement, employee happiness, employee morale, ethics, future, happiness, leadership, leadership and trust, legacy

Our good friend, Catherine Finamore Henry, Ethics Officer and Vice President, Business Development at SmartPros Legal & Ethics will be speaking at the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics 2008 Compliance and Ethics Institute (CEI) on the topic of honor codes.

This age-old tradition is still central to many institutions and cultures, including universities, service groups and the military. Catherine examines the historical significance of honor codes and how they can be used to successful bind together a group in a common cause. Honor codes are only useful when they are lived out and Catherine will discuss best practices on making them come alive and not simply be words enshrined on a plaque. Hint: find ways to tie into shared values.

Her talk will take place on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm as part of SCCE's CEI 2008 conference (http://www.complianceethicsinstitute.org) which is being held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Chicago, IL on September 14-17, 2008.

If you plan to be in Chicago for the conference, don't miss her talk.

Labels: compliance, ethics, honor code, workplace culture