IMF Mandatory Ethics Training

So it seems that DSK (or Strauss-Kahn for those not in the know), is increasingly using a smear campaign against the woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her. Although it does seem that he might be innocent, I can't help but notice that to avoid all of this mess altogether, it might have been smarter for the IMF to have fired him after he...oh I don't know... had an affair with another IMF staff member.

Whatever the case may be, Christine Lagarde, the French Finance Minister, has recently been appointed as the new head of the IMF. In an interesting story in the Washington Post today, "First Up for Lagarde: Ethics Training", they noted that the contract that Christine Lagarde signed actually has a new ethics clause, stating that "You shall strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in your conduct" and "As Managing Director, you are expected to observe the highest standards of ethical conduct, consistent with the values of integrity, impartiality and discretion".

I recently saw Christine Lagarde speak in Chicago, and I have to say that this woman is incredibly impressive! Her presence speaks volumes, she is simultaneously humble, self-deprecating, strong and slightly intimidating. Her resume is incredibly impressive- she's held three chairs in the French cabinet, run a major global law firm, earned several advanced educational degree and is a member of the French Legion of Honor. She's quite an inspiration for young women in the workforce everywhere, and it is a bit of a shame I think that she needs to go through the additional training, etc. due to her predecessors misjudgment. I suppose that's the way it always is though, it very rarely is the person who needs it that actually gets the training...

Indeed, there seems to be changes afoot in the high profile organizations of government, but I can't help but wonder if this highly publicized move will ever actually erase the improper behavior by politicians acting like frat boys (and whether it should). Until then, it looks like the first thing Lagarde will be doing in her new role is attending ethics training classes which include in-person and online courses, questionnaires and a one-on-one session with IMF ethics chief, Virginia Canter. Small steps, but steps forward nonetheless!