Several years ago, a contractor had just won a contract with my organization through a competitive bidding process, and the decision was made purely on merit; clear-cut and fair.
A few days later, he walked into my office, thanked me profusely. For no reason really, I only did my job and he had won the contract fair and square. As he walked out of my office, he dipped his hand into his pocket, pulled out a brown envelope and dropped it on my desk.
Out of curiosity, I opened it only to discover it was filled with bundles of cash. In that instant, I felt my principles being tested. I picked up the envelope, rushed, caught up with him and handed the envelope back, politely but firmly explaining that I didn't want it. (sigh)
This incident was my first encounter with "the brown envelope" and I have had several other instances.
You'll agree with me that scenarios like these are commonplace in procurement. So, how do you maintain your values when faced with challenges like this?
When it comes to dealing with issues like these, I don't have so many strategies but in this blogpost I'll be sharing some of the strategies that keep me in check.
1. Develop and Stick to a Personal Code of Ethics: If you haven’t already, take some time to think about your do’s and don’ts as you build your career. Taking the time to consider your values helps you prepare to face the inevitable temptations that could show up when you are most vulnerable. What are your non-negotiables; values that won’t waver under any circumstance. Having a clear personal code of ethics can guide your actions during brown envelope situations. For me, transparency and fairness are at the core of my professional conduct. It is important to regularly revisit and reflect on your values to keep them fresh and top of mind.
2. Document Every Step: Transparent documentation is a powerful shield against undue pressure. Make sure you always maintain an auditable trail of your procurement processes, decisions and communications. Having a clear paper trail makes it harder for unethical practices to take root and provides you with protection if your colleagues attempt to drag you into their unethical dealings. In my experience, putting such offline conversations into writing has helped to discourage rogue behaviour.
3. Politely Decline Bribes: In situations where you're offered a "brown envelope" or a similar token of gratitude, it's important to remain firm yet respectful. Just like in my experience, declining the token and reinforcing the principle that contracts are awarded on merit can send a strong message. There is no need to cause a scene or make a public spectacle of the individual making the offer. A polite but direct decline will deter such actions in the future.
4. Lean on Organizational Resources: If you're feeling pressured to compromise your values, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue to your organization’s ethics committee, legal team or immediate supervisor. Many organizations have whistleblower protection policies to safeguard employees who report unethical behavior.
5. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Professionals: Networking with other ethical professionals in procurement helps reinforce your values. Sharing experiences and strategies for handling difficult situations can be both comforting and empowering.
Do you have any brown envelope stories? Share your experience, it will surely help someone.
Need procurement specific training? Reach out to support@efemini.com and we'll get you sorted.
PS: Join me on 16th January for a Live event on Positioning for Procurement Leadership. Whether you’re aspiring to lead or already in a leadership role, the key to success lies in positioning yourself strategically for the opportunities ahead. Click the link to register and don’t forget to save the date in your calendar!
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