Clifton Kopp
Navigating the world means interacting with all sorts of people – and not all of them play by the rules.
Spotting an unethical person can be tricky. They don’t always wear a sign around their neck announcing their moral shortcomings.
I’m here to share with you nine tell-tale signs that you’re dealing with an unethical person.
Tuning into these signs can save you a lot of heartache and headaches down the line.
And let me tell you, it’s a game changer.
1) They’re all about the ends, not the means
In the world of ethics, it’s not just about what you achieve – it’s about how you achieve it.
An unethical person, however, doesn’t see it that way.
They’re laser-focused on the goal and don’t care much about how they get there.
This is a red flag.
When someone consistently prioritizes outcomes over processes, it’s a sign they might be willing to cut corners or even break the rules to get what they want.
And let’s be clear: while some rule-breaking might seem minor or harmless at first glance, it’s often a slippery slope.
Today’s small transgression could easily become tomorrow’s major ethical violation.
Always keep an eye out for this sign. It could save you from getting entangled in an unethical situation.
2) They lack empathy
In my experience, a lack of empathy is a huge red flag when it comes to someone’s ethics.
I once worked with a colleague who seemed to lack any ability to recognize or respond to other people’s feelings.
At first, I thought maybe they were just a bit socially awkward. But as time went on, it became clear it was more than that.
They’d blatantly take credit for others’ work, dismiss people’s emotions when they were upset, and never seemed to show any remorse or understanding when their actions hurt others.
It was as if the feelings and experiences of others simply didn’t register on their radar.
And that’s when I realized: this lack of empathy allowed them to act unethically without feeling guilty or contrite.
A lack of empathy isn’t just a personality quirk. It’s a sign that you might be dealing with an unethical person.
3) They frequently lie
Lying is a classic sign of unethical behavior. Now, we all tell the occasional white lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings or getting into unnecessary conflict.
But there’s a big difference between the occasional fib and habitual dishonesty.
Research shows that the average person lies about 1.65 times a day.
This may seem like a lot, but these lies are often harmless and done for the sake of politeness or social harmony.
However, an unethical person tends to lie much more frequently – and not just to maintain peace. They use lies to manipulate situations, gain advantages, or evade responsibility.
4) They ignore commitments
Commitments matter. Whether it’s showing up on time for a meeting or delivering a project by the agreed deadline, honoring commitments is a sign of respect and responsibility.
Unethical people, however, have a knack for disregarding their commitments. They might show up late, miss deadlines, or even completely fail to deliver on their promises.
This isn’t just frustrating; it’s a clear indicator of their lack of respect for others and an unwillingness to take responsibility for their actions.
5) They’re self-centered
While it’s normal and healthy to have a certain degree of self-interest, an excessive focus on oneself is a common trait among unethical individuals.
They tend to view everything in terms of how it benefits them personally.
This self-centered perspective often leads them to make decisions that prioritize their own needs and wants, even when it negatively impacts others.
Be cautious when dealing with someone excessively self-focused—it might indicate an unethical character.
6) They lack remorse
One of the most heart-wrenching signs of an unethical person is their lack of remorse.
It’s one thing to make a mistake; we all do. But when someone continually acts in ways that hurt others and show no regret, it’s particularly hard to bear.
It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion, and the driver just keeps putting their foot on the gas.
They don’t seem to care about the destruction they leave in their wake, showing no regret, no guilt, and no inclination to make amends.
This lack of remorse isn’t just painful to witness; It’s a clear signal that they may not share the same moral compass as you.
7) They exploit others
There’s a saying that goes, “You can easily judge the character of a person by how they treat those who can do nothing for them”.
I’ve found this to be painfully true.
I remember a colleague who would only be kind and attentive to those who could benefit her in some way.
She’d charm her superiors and clients but would belittle and exploit her subordinates and peers.
I was one of those peers. I distinctly remember how she’d delegate her work to me, promising to return the favor, yet she never did.
It was a hard lesson on how unethical people can exploit others for their gain.
Look out for individuals who consistently exploit others for their gain; they might harm you with their unethical characteristics.
8) They constantly shift the blame
We all make mistakes, and owning up to them is a sign of integrity.
However, unethical people have a knack for evading responsibility. They constantly shift blame onto others, never taking accountability for their actions.
It’s always someone else’s fault, or the circumstances were against them, or they were just unlucky.
This constant deflection is not only frustrating but also a clear sign of unethical behavior.
If you notice someone constantly sidestepping responsibility and pointing fingers at others, be cautious – you might be dealing with an unethical person.
9) They disregard rules and norms
Rules and social norms are there for a reason. They provide a framework for ethical behavior and mutual respect.
When someone consistently disregards these rules and norms, it’s a serious red flag.
Such individuals see rules as obstacles to be navigated around, not guidelines to be followed. They believe they’re above the rules, or that the rules don’t apply to them.
This blatant disregard is more than just rebellious
Bending or breaking the rules without any concern for the consequences, know this: you’re likely dealing with someone who lacks ethical integrity.
Final thoughts: It’s about character
Identifying an unethical person involves assessing their character, akin to the foundation of a house supporting all decisions and actions.
Although not always visible, character influences everything they do.
The nine signs discussed serve as cracks in this foundation, indicating a potentially flawed character with different ethical standards.
Rather than judging, it’s about understanding their character to make informed decisions, protect yourself, and uphold ethical integrity.
Reflect on these signs as your compass in a world where not everyone adheres to the same rules.
