The Power of public discussion in Ethics

An interesting exchange took place in one of my TAB(R) groups last week. (TAB stands for The Alternative Board(R) and is a peer coaching group for CEOs and business owners). A newer member noted how fast his company was growing and that the business model under which he had bid an earlier job was actually costing him money now. He posed a question to the group about changing the terms of the contract so that it would be profitable for him. The group overwhelmingly discouraged him from doing so and said that he should chalk it up to a learning experience while concentrating on both the spirit and the letter of the contract.

I congratulate him for having the courage to pose the question rather than simply act on his first impulse. I believe he would have come to the same conclusion himself. I was pleased, though, at the positive peer pressure that was exerted by the group.

For a long time I have held a theory of Proactive Ethics which says (in part) that public discussion of values and practices help develop ethical behavior. The TAB group proved it. The members will likely remember the discussion and their next exposure to an ethical dilemma will be affected by it. (Listen to a short presentation on Proactive Ethics at my website, http://www.swimstartingwithme.com/).

Let's all take the time to discuss our beliefs. Rather than announcing how "stupid" you think someone is for doing something announced in the news, pose a question and open some honest dialogue. Avoid emotional attacks and judgmental language. Allow others to weigh in on a subject without your having tipped your hand on your beliefs. You may just learn something and develop a broader mind and a more discerning value system.