Significant Career Lesson From a Partner at Small Law Firm
Maintaining integrity is paramount for long-term career success; the interviewee emphasizes that ethical conduct, even when involving "getting your hands dirty," is essential, while unequivocally rejecting actions such as "underreport[ing] to the state" to avoid taxes.
Ethics, Integrity, Professionalism, Work Ethic, Decision-Making
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
John Fricks
Partner/attorney
Small Law Firm
Cal Poly
Boston University law degree (J.D.)
Computer Science
Law
Legal
Video Highlights
1. Maintain integrity and ethical practices in your work. Compromising your ethics is not a sustainable long-term strategy and will negatively impact your well-being.
2. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and handle tasks outside of your comfort zone. Being willing to take on challenges demonstrates initiative and work ethic.
3. Recognize when a situation crosses ethical boundaries. It's essential to stand firm against illegal or unethical requests, even if it means potential setbacks in your career.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson I've learned, and I think I've already touched on it, is to keep your integrity. You don't have to bend over backwards or compromise your ethics to advance.
That's not a long-term strategy, and you won't feel good about yourself. My younger sister once had a boyfriend who worked at a fast food place. There was an overflowing toilet in the bathroom, and he was asked to clean it up.
He refused, saying, "I'm not doing that." However, you can't always wait for a plumber. Someone has to clean it up, and it might as well be you. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty with that kind of task.
On the other hand, if someone asks you to underreport sales to avoid paying sales tax, that's when you draw the line. If you start down that path, it won't lead anywhere good.
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