Ethics in conflict: what will you do?

An ethical dilemma is a conflict situation in which what’s “right” isn’t always clear cut or obvious. Therefore here’s a process to consider in resolving an ethical dilemma.
1. The leader attempts to clarify any ambiguous facts in the dilemma.

2. The leader encourages a broad reaction to the dilemma by asking open –ended questions like:
“The issue,(not the behavior), here is……..”
“A solution would need to consider…….”

3. The leader helps those involved understand, and clarify the positions taken by each.

Then you are no longer dilemma-oriented, but in a process in which each person can respectfully challenge another’s thinking/reasoning.

4. Through probes and analogies, the leader attempts to place particular opinions that are in conflict in perspective, thus the group moves to a greater understanding of the dilemma and the ethical concepts it contains.
The process certainly involves certain soft skills such as listening, re-directing emotional energy, creating an environment of trust and honest dialogue by setting guidelines like:
1. Everybody speaks their “truth”. It may not be” THE truth” but it’s their truth and needs to be respected.
2. Perceptions determine attitudes and attitudes determine behavior. Perceptions are neither right or wrong. They just are.
3. The leader is the facilitator, a catalyst, by which there is no judgment only analysis to allow the group to come to ethical consensus and solution.

4. The purpose is collaboration and a process that can foster collaboration creating a non-threatening environment of valuing the opinions, insights and wisdom of those involved in the process.

fbucaro

Like you, business ethics and ethical leadership expert, Frank Bucaro has seen the challenges and problems of corporate leadership, particularly over the past few years in regards to poor decision-making, SEC violations, and record breaking financial settlements in a number of different industries. With over two decades of executive training, speaking, writing and with real life experiences, his view and approach to ethics in the workplace is uniquely different. He emphasizes that ethics is a moment-to-moment choice and has little to do with position, titles, personalities or education. Ethics is everybody’s responsibility from the top down. His goal is to help organizations to: a. Strengthen their ethics training initiatives in order to significantly decrease the odds of an ethical/compliance violation. b. Energize, train and motivate employees to understand the value of consistent “high road” behavior as a business advantage. c. Support individuals and thereby the organization by contributing to its success by quality, ongoing values based leadership development. Frank is known for his very practical, slightly irreverent, yet somewhat humorous approach to ethics and leadership development. His conversational style and real life stories connect with his audience in a personal, intense and practical level. Companies such as Bayer Healthcare, BP, ReMax International, EnMax Energy, Danone, etc. have partnered with Frank when they want to proactively stress the message, tools, insights and practical applications that good ethics IS good for business!