The Leadership Training Activity Book: 50 Exercises

beliefs, values, standards, and moral fiber. Write this formula on another

piece of flipchart paper and post it:

Ethics = Character and concern for the community or the organization

Step 3: Say, “Ethics comes from the Greek word ethos—character, one’s

distinguishing attitudes and beliefs. Its secondary application is concern

for the community or organization.” Our ethos, our character,

determines how we make decisions that affect not only us but also

those around us: people in our community or place of work, our

friends, and our family. We do not live in isolation; we live in a

connected society.

All of our decisions, whether at work or in our personal lives, affect

others. Therefore, we must consider this impact when we make

decisions. Ethics means giving honest consideration to underlying

motives and potential harm, if any, and to congruency with established

values.”

Step 4: Then say, “Now it’s time to go over the steps we must take when making

ethical decisions.” Pass out Handout 24.1, and refer to a large poster-size

version of the model. Go over each step with participants and use real-

life examples of an ethical dilemma to explain the steps.

Step 5: Divide participants into groups of 3 to 5 people. One person at a time

presents an ethical dilemma, while the other three discuss it by going

through all of the steps of the model. With the total group, debrief how

the process can help us resolve an ethical dilemma.

Step 6: Summarize this activity by going over the basics of the process, step by

step. Sugggest that when they face their next ethical dilemma they

review the handout and record their answers in their journals.

POST-ACTIVITY REVIEW

Take time shortly after conducting this activity to reflect on how it went, how engaged
the participants were, and what questions they raised. Then, make notes that include
how much time you actually spent on the activity.

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE^129