person touching one side of vintage brass pan balance as if weighing ethics in business

My favorite children’s book is “Go, Dog. Go!” by P.D. Eastman. There is a part in the book where a dog, wearing a hat, walks up to another dog and asks, “Do you like my hat?” The other dog answers, “I do not.” (I love how blunt the dog is!) This exchange continues a few times throughout the book. Finally, the first dog finds a hat the other dog likes.

I am wearing a new hat of a professional organizer, and I want my clients to like my hat. Part of my organizing business specializes in downsizing. Accordingly, I help clients sort through years of memories and assist them with getting rid of items they no longer need. Some of these items are antiques or vintage pieces. This brings me to the other hat I wear, the antique dealer’s hat.

My Ethics in Business Concern

You might automatically consider this a conflict of interest. I, too, was concerned about how clients would perceive my intentions. With this in mind, I spoke with Geralin Thomas, CPO-CD®. She is a course instructor for NAPO’s (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals), “Starting an Organizing Business.” She suggested I consult with an ethics professor. Geralin then invited me to post the knowledge I acquired on her blog.

So I set out to pursue if and how I can wear these two hats without a conflict of interest. I read Debbie Stanley’s book, “Ethical Pitfalls for Professional Organizers,” consulted with professionals whose careers have ethical guidelines and reviewed NAPO’s Code of Ethics.

Professionals who know me saw no issue wearing both hats as long as I am transparent to clients. So I decided to write a policy that informs the clients of the options available for getting rid of items and how I can assist them in each. For that reason, I hired a local professor, Dr. James G. Coe, who teaches ethics in business at Spring Arbor University, to review and revise my policy. Below is an example of what is included in the direct purchase portion of my policy:

I will:

  1. Remain neutral when someone is deciding whether to sell something or not.
  2. Guide clients on how to best determine a price, but I will not suggest a price, make an offer or counter offer.
  3. Advise my clients to notify their family and friends of what they intend to sell so they have the first right to purchase.
  4. Not purchase antique items during an organizing appointment.

These policies took into consideration the different ethical scenarios that I may face as an organizer. They will be revised and refined as I continue my organizing education through real-life experience, books, NAPO, and consulting with other organizers. I want my clients to like my hat. And I hope that setting my business up in a way that makes them aware of my intentions will help them do just that.

About today’s Guest Blogger:

Learn more about Leigh MacCready here.


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