The lesser of two evils or the greater of two goods: which is chosen more?
How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m going to choose the lesser of two evils?”What does that say about one’s ethics or values? Does it mean that there is no “good” as a choice?
People, sadly, are used to this phrase and attitude. Have we “lost hope” for a “good” option for choice? Maybe any good has been foreshadowed by too many evils?
Who or what will do the least harm seems to be the deciding factor in making many decisions.
Choosing the lesser of two evils:
1. Dissuades us from looking for a good, by taking an easy way out.
2. Is more outcome based than based on values.
3. Is still choosing evil
4. Is based on what /who will cause the least harm.
5. Puts into question one’s commitment to resolve an issue permanently.
6. Puts the ultimate responsibility on someone else.
Choosing the greater to two goods:
1. Causes one to actively “look for ”a good ” in the midst of trouble.
2. Tends to be values based and principle driven option.
3. Is the choice to “go against the grain” of what others think should be decided.
4. Involves different decision making skills and leadership skills.
5. To be proactive in the pursuit of “good” is to take responsibility for the choice.
6. Brings the issue to a better and positive resolution.
Which, then, is more values based?
Why do we never hear: “Let’s chose the greater of two goods?”

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!