How to Keep a Moral Compass

In both business and personal relationships, there is always the temptation to deviate from the usual moral and ethical standards. Generally, the temptation is based on some type of perceived benefit that would be derived from taking this type of action. When the urge to set our personal standards and ethics aside “just this once” arises, here are some tips on how to maintain a steady course. It's possible to keep your moral compass.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Step away from the situation. Place yourself in the position of a third party who is observing the progress of the interaction and has no stake in the outcome of the interaction. This approach helps you to view potential courses of action from an objective angle.

2. Compare the nature of possible courses of action with your personal ethics. If a particular action would go against your personal ethics, look deeper and ask yourself why the action is not a good fit. Ultimately it's important to stay true to yourself.

3. Weigh the short term benefits and liabilities of choosing a particular action. Often, what seems like a great course on the surface is not so great once the act is complete.

4. Determine the long term benefits and liabilities of going with a certain option. For example, in the world of business. sometimes it's tempting to make "campaign" sort of promises. Those will end up blowing up in your face if you can't follow through. Jobs and credibility can be lost with false promises.

5. Ask yourself if a given action is in the best interests of all concerned. Always consider your loved ones. Your family is a part of yourself. If the action will not yield healthy results for all involved, leave it alone.

6. Have an honest discussion with yourself about whether or not you will lose sleep if you choose a particular moral action. Even if the right choice is one that will cause you some discomfort in the short term, the fact that you made a choice that was in keeping with your personal ethics and standards will help you live a much happier life.

Tips & Warnings

• Know what your standards are and why you have them. Unless there is a solid reason to change one of your standards, such as proof that the reasons for a given standard is flawed in some manner, stick to your guns. It may cost you some opportunities, but it will open up others that will ultimately be more satisfying.
• Never allow others to dictate your moral compass. This does not mean you must criticize the standards of others. It simply means that you remain in control of what you will or will not be involved in, and make a conscious choice to deal with the outcomes of your choices.