If I'm an Ethical Person, Will I Get What I Want?
January 28, 2007 by Debbie LongIf I am an ethical person, will I get what I want?
It depends on what you want."? If you want money, power, and a Mercedes--no, being ethical will probably not help you achieve that kind of success."? Sometimes being ethical can be expensive in terms of time and money."? Doing the right thing can mean sacrifice. But if you want is to be happy and help others as well as make a significant contribution to your family and society, then yes--being ethical will get you want you want."? It will also make you feel good about yourself.
If people would just follow the law, would we still have ethical problems?
The law merely sets a minimum standard for what is acceptable behavior."? Remember the old movie Towering Inferno about the brand new high-rise building that went up in flame at its gala inauguration?"? The builder's defense was "Hey, I built that structure to code."? It's not my fault the building's on fire.""? Doing the minimum is not enough."? We cannot create laws fast enough, nor do we wish to abdicate moral responsibility to our legislators and regulators."? Our ethical judgment requires us to do more than what the law requires.
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Is there one simple test of whether I am making an ethically sound decision?
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The easiest test is to ask yourself, "How would I want to be treated?""? In other words, use the Golden Rule:"? Do unto others as you would want done unto yourself."? My real estate students often face dilemmas that involve fiduciary relationships and client confidentialities."? They are torn between giving the buyer information that is not legally material but that many buyers would consider relevant, such as information regarding the whereabouts of sex offenders in a neighborhood or unnatural deaths that may have occurred on the property."? Deciding whether or no to provide this information is an ethical judgment often best decided by the Golden Rule.
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Isn't making ethical decisions playing God?"? It's not up to me to make these types of decisions."?
In most ethical dilemmas, you can rely on rules, policies, and laws that provide you with reasonable answers to the dilemma."? In other cases, you may have to search your soul or conscience."? Some believe our conscience is the divine spark within us."? And remember, there are consequences for not making a decision as well as consequences for whatever decision we make or action we take."? We are not powerless to act."? Govern yourself accordingly.
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Is it possible some adults are incapable of becoming better people?
Sure."? If adults are in a work environment or social environment where integrity is not valued or opportunities to exercise moral reasoning are limited or non-existent, there will be little moral development."? But few adults live or work in an ethics-free zone."? Everyday we encounter opportunities to make ethical judgments."? If we exposed to ethical leadership and/or work where ethical conduct is expected, we are likely to experience cognitive moral growth.
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On the other hand, if we are debased by everyday encounters with violence, anti-social behavior, and ethical literacy, it is unlikely that we will demonstrate ethical conduct much less get better at behaving ethically ourselves."? That's why we all have a responsibility to act as moral mentors.
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What can we do to become more ethical people?
First, start at home."? Be a role model to your children, your spouse, and your relatives."? Second, do the right thing at work and in your community."? Third, support those around you and those in the news who do the right thing."? Fourth, talk about issues with ethical dimensions--exercise your ethical intellect as well as those around you.' Fifth, avoid cynicism.' Remember what Anne Frank dairy:"? "Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to wait a single moment to improve the world."
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