Ethics – don’t go it alone

Ethics have been tested and violated since the beginning of time. But their importance today is paramount. It is easy to give power to the justifications and the ‘yeah buts’. Now is the time to recommit to leading from principle and ethics.

Many ethical quandaries with bad outcomes are the result of an individual’s choice to take action without asking for help. People offer abundant explanations for this, but it is rarely the wisest course of action.

A Chief Ethics Officer of a major corporation once shared her perspective with me and it has served me well over the years. In today’s complex world, the “right “ answer may not always be obvious or easy to find. Her perspective was, “When you are grappling with an ethical issue, ask for help. Seek another’s perspective, input and advice.” In a hierarchical setting, ask your managers and colleagues for help. Getting their input before you act can spare you the unpleasant experience of being alone without their support.

We are not alone and can invite the perspective of others to inform our thinking. Ultimately, we bear the responsibility for our choices and the consequences. Why should we go it alone when there are resources available? We may not like their answers initially, but it is likely that we will come to a better decision if we count on others rather than going it alone.

In addition to other people, there are other resources that are easily accessible. As coaches, we belong to the International Coach Federation (ICF). The ICF publishes the ethical guidelines for coaches. We rely on these and refer to them whenever an ethical question emerges.

Is it time to reflect on the resources available to you so you can access them when and if you need to?