Character Development
The objective evidence is compelling: ethics are essential for successful, enduring enterprise. Commerce and industry of all kinds thrive and prosper on the basis of trust, respect, and integrity. Everyone in every organization of every type wants their leaders to be men and women of character. Similarly, every leader wants their subordinates to be trustworthy, loyal, and conscientious. However, we know that character, like competence, is not bestowed. It must be developed - continuously. Yet, there are few institutions that invest in character development - overwhelmingly organizations and corporations focus their developmental programs on competence.
The consequences of neglect for character development are manifest at every level of leadership and management (from the loading docks to the boardrooms). This observation is supported by studies and is frequently front-page news when scandals such as the Enron and WorldCom debacles come to light. Most observers react by calling for severe consequences for perpetrators, stricter rules, rigid enforcement, etc. While these measures may be necessary and could reduce the incidence of misconduct, they will not, by themselves, prevent unethical practices. People of character do what is right because it is right - such people need not be deterred by negative consequences, they are motivated by the positive results that ensue from ethical practices.
Developmental Goals:
- To provide an understanding of nature of ethics and to encourage discussion of ethical issues.
- To cultivate awareness that ethics are essential for our prosperity and well-being in the 21st century.
- To develop a set of values that will guide decision-making and attendant action in personal and professional activity.
- To teach “Transformational Leadership” and “Values-Based Decision-Making” in order to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and trust.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the application of ethics in a rapidly changing, multicultural, and technologically advanced environment.
- Apply “Values-Based Decision-Making” – ensuring plans and actions are with “Integrity.”
- Analyze dilemmas and recognize the ethical implications in the presence of risk and uncertainty.
- Recognize the role of “Courage” in taking “Right Action.”
Overview of Developmental Program
Ethical Awareness
Recognize the foundational “Values” that framed the Nation as revealed in the Declaration of Independence and Preamble to the Constitution.
Values Definition
Understand that a “Value” is a principle or concept that is “always important.” We do not compromise or equivocate in living by our Values. This commitment demands “Integrity” and “Courage.”
Values-Based Decision-Making
Making decisions is the first, critical step in effective leadership and the process for making decisions consistent with our values must be understood and practiced, continuously.
Case Study and Practical Exercise
Using realistic “vignettes” as a foundation for establishing situational awareness, define the problem to be resolved (the difference between what “is” and that which is “desired”). Using critical and creative thinking, moral-reasoning, and analysis – identify options to solve the problem and develop a plan for implementation.
Outcomes
- Awareness of why ethics matter
- Understand how to apply Values in making decisions and taking action.
- Practice applying values in making decisions
- Develop an increased facility with “Transformational Leadership”
- Learn to recognize (and avoid) ethical dilemmas.
Code of Ethics:
Purpose: In order to foster trust in all endeavors, personal or professional, we adopt this Code of Ethics to guide our decisions and actions, in pursuit of excellence.
Premise: Trust is belief in reliance on the integrity and competence of another person, organization, or institution. Trust is the foundation for successful relationships and endeavors.
Goal: In order to be trustworthy, we aspire to be people of character. As such, we seek to discover the truth, decide what is right and demonstrate the courage, and commitment to act accordingly.
We pledge allegiance to our values, including:
- Integrity - decision-making and action based on principles.
- Honesty - being truthful and seeking to discover the truth.
- Responsibility - fulfilling obligations, accepting consequences, and striving for excellence.
- Respect - recognizing the infinite dignity and worth of people and the sanctity of their property.
- Service - contribution to the welfare of others.
- Community - teamwork and consideration for others.
- Justice & Mercy - adherence to moral law: fairness & compassion.
- Competence - proficiency, expertise, professionalism, and wisdom.
- Courage - willingness and commitment to do what is right despite uncertainty, risk, and fear.
In the conduct of our activities we will strive to continuously develop our character and competence, seeking to improve these attributes in order to be worthy of trust and to contribute to the common good.
That which is good is consistent with our sense of aesthetics, virtue, righteousness, and morality.
That which is moral is known to our conscience - to which we pledge to be true.
Professional Ethics:
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF THE US ARMY
Commissioned Officers are the uniformed leaders of the Army; they are professional soldiers and servants of the nation. In war and peace they are trusted leaders of character. They are collectively responsible for successful accomplishment of the Army's Mission. In the conduct of their duties they demonstrate competence and commitment to the Professional Military Ethic as embodied in the enduring creed: Duty, Honor, Country. Commissioned Officers adhere to Army Values in their decisions and actions.
As leaders of character and competence, Commissioned Officers continuously develop as members of the Army Profession. They diligently prepare for the responsibilities of their present and future career opportunities and obligations. In all cases they serve to accomplish the mission to the best of their abilities. They seek to discover the truth, decide what is right, and demonstrate the courage at act accordingly.
Upon taking the Oath of Office, Commissioned Officers accept the obligation and privilege of providing loyal support for and defense of the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. In fulfilling this obligation, Commissioned Officers accept the responsibility to obey the legal orders of those appointed over them and to manifest unqualified integrity, fostering trust between the Army and the society it defends.
As leaders of character, Commissioned Officers accept that all people have unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These fundamental rights demand a respect for humanity and property that is unqualified, even in the presence of the violence of war and the uncertain nature of hostile environments.
As a Commissioned Officer in the US Army, I am a leader of American Soldiers, a member of the Profession of Arms; I am dedicated to the cause of liberty, under the Constitution of the United States.
