Making Ethical and Effective Decisions Tab 14

To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a

Past Decisions Exercise §What big decision have you made before? §How did you decide? §Share your process with two students §Class Share you tell another’s decision process Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 3 Character Development Seminar

Making ethical decisions is about choosing among options according to ethical principles. It is about doing what is right. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 6 Character Development Seminar

Everything we say and do makes a difference. It can start a chain reaction that affects the actions and decisions of hundreds of others. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 7 Character Development Seminar

Everything you say and do sends a message. What message are you sending? Tab

In 90% of the ethical problems we face we know what we should do. The real question is whether we are willing to do the right thing when it is likely to cost more than we want to pay. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 9 Character Development Seminar

Power and Responsibility All your words and actions, and even your attitude, reflect choices.

Importance of Choices w Bad choices lead to unhappy, unfulfilled lives. w Good choices lead to greater happiness and satisfaction in everything one does. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 11 Character Development Seminar

A Foundation for Good Decision Making: Two Core Principles w We all have the power to decide what we do and say. w We are morally responsible for the consequences of our choices. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 12 Character Development Seminar

Teens May Feel Out of Control w Sometimes the power to choose is not self-evident to teenagers who are just learning to deal with new emotions and impulses intensified by hormonal changes. w These emotions — including love, lust, anger, fear, frustration, depression, grief, anxiety, resentment, jealousy, guilt and loneliness — may create moods and reactions that seem beyond their control. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 14 Character Development Seminar

Qualities of a Good Decision w Good decisions are both effective and ethical. w Good decisions are rational, not rationalizations w Good decisions reflect both discernment and discipline. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 18 Character Development Seminar

Good Decisions Are Rational, Not Rationalizations w Rational decisions are the result of a careful reasoning process evaluating the effectiveness and ethics of options. w Rationalizations are stated reasons developed to justify decisions the decision maker wants to make or has already made. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 20 Character Development Seminar

Good Decisions Require Both Discernment and Discipline Two critical aspects of making good decisions: knowing what to do and doing it. w Discernment – the ability to evaluate facts and potential consequences from a practical and moral perspective. w Discipline – the strength of character to do what should be done even when it is costly or uncomfortable. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 21 Character Development Seminar

Taking Choices Seriously Recognizing Important Decisions Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson

When Is a Decision Important? Every decision has consequences. A Simple Formula: The greater the potential consequences, the more need there is for careful decision making. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 25 Character Development Seminar

Tests for Making Ethical & Effective Decisions Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005

Tests for Making Ethical Decisions w Publicity Test w Role Model Test w Parenting Test w Kid-Over-Your-Shoulder Test w Bell, Book & Candle Test Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 28 Character Development Seminar

The Publicity Test What would you do if you knew that your decision and the true reasons behind it would be reported on the front page of the newspaper or on the ten o’clock news? Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 29 Character Development Seminar

The Role Model Test When faced with a difficult decision, think of an ethical role model, someone whose integrity and courage merit admiration, and ask, what would that person do? Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 30 Character Development Seminar

What would _______ do? w What would Jesus do? w What would Mother Teresa do? w What would Superman do? w What would Forest Gump do? w What would your mother do? w What would ______ do? Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 31 Character Development Seminar

Ethical & Effective Decision-Making Models Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Tab 14 –

Universality of the Golden Rule w Confucius. What you do not want done to yourself, do not do unto others. w Aristotle. We should behave to others as we wish others to behave to us. w Judaism. What you dislike for yourself, do not do to anyone. w Hinduism. Do nothing to thy neighbor which thou wouldst not have him do to thee thereafter. w Islam. No one of you is a believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. w Buddhism. Hurt not others with that which pains thyself. w Christianity. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 39 Character Development Seminar

Look Out for Golden Rule Mutants w AS A RULE OF REVENGE Do unto others as they have done unto you. w AS A RULE OF SELF-DEFENSE Do unto others before they do unto you. w AS A RULE OF INVESTMENT Do unto others so they will do unto you. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 40 Character Development Seminar

Rule of Universality Do only those acts which you are willing to allow to become universal standards of behavior applicable to all people in similar situations. Ask yourself: If everyone did it, would it be a good thing? Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 42 Character Development Seminar

A Seven Step Decision-Making Process Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute

Seven Steps to Good Decisions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Stop and Think Clarify Goals Determine Facts Develop Options Consider Consequences Choose Monitor and Modify Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 45 Character Development Seminar

1. Stop and Think w Good decision makers do not make important decisions impulsively since wise and rational decisions require thought. w To prevent unwise choices and foolish, impulsive behavior they must stop the momentum of events and reflect. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 46 Character Development Seminar

Special Issues With Teens w Teenagers are commonly so self-absorbed that they frequently indulge rather than deny their desires and appetites. w Consequently, they are apt to act and react impulsively, without adequate consideration or thought. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 49 Character Development Seminar

2. Clarify Goals The Problem: Decisions that accomplish immediate wants and needs can prevent the achievement of more important life goals. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 53 Character Development Seminar

Example: Dad & Michael w Dad is both worried and furious that his son Michael is more than two hours late. To make a good decision he must stop, set aside his emotions and clarify his objectives so he can choose his words and tone. w He must realize that this is an important decision because how he handles the situation could significantly affect his relationship with his son, and perhaps his son’s character. w Dad has conflicting desires and potential objectives. He must decide whether his primary goal is to let off steam and say what’s on his mind regardless of the consequences, or to turn this into a positive teaching moment. w Is Dad more concerned about being sure Michael knows how angry he is and in inflicting some form of punishment, or is he more interested in trying to get Michael to think and act differently in the future? w Does Dad want a forced apology or real remorse? w Does he want to make Michael feel bad or angry? Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 54 Character Development Seminar

Example: Cindy & the Party w Cindy, a tenth-grade girl, really wants to go to a party being held by seniors. She’s sure there will be drinking, but if her mom knows that she will be forbidden from going. In fact, her mom would never let her go to a party unless she knew the parents of the host. Her friend, Jackie, suggests that Cindy lie to her mom and say she is going to study with Jackie and spend the night. Jackie says her mom is cool and would back them up if she had to. w This is an important decision because what she does could have dramatic long-term impact on the quality of her relationship with her mom. w Cindy’s immediate goal is clear: she wants to go to the party. But if she also wants the trust of her mother, greater personal freedom and to avoid punishment. w Once she clarifies what is most important she can choose what to do. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 55 Character Development Seminar

3. Determine Facts w Resolve what you know and what you need to know. w Verify assumptions and other uncertain information. w Gather additional information needed for an intelligent decision. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 57 Character Development Seminar

4. Develop Options Good decision makers make a mental or written list of options, a range of things they could do to accomplish their goals. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 60 Character Development Seminar

5. Consider Consequences w Pillar-ize your options – filter them through the Six Pillars of Character. w Identify the stakeholders and how the decision will affect them. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 61 Character Development Seminar

6. Choose Select an option, make your choice and proceed to implement it. If you still have doubts: w Talk to someone whose judgment you respect. w What would the most ethical person you know do? w What would you do if everyone knew? w Practice the Golden Rule. w Apply other decision-making models. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 62 Character Development Seminar

Exploring the Ethical Dimension of Good Decisions w When ethical principles conflict (e. g. , it seems unkind to be honest) and there is no clear right response, you must make a choice as to which principle to honor. w Ethical conflicts are best resolved by use of decision-making strategies that help you see the moral implications of your choices, sort out the competing claims and evaluate the long-term consequences of each option. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 63 Character Development Seminar

7. Monitor and Modify w Good decision makers monitor the effectiveness of their choices to see if they are working out as intended. w If the initial choice was ineffective, they modify their position and make new decisions based on current information. Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 64 Character Development Seminar

Classic Fallacies & Rationalizations It’s Not Unethical If. . . 1. It’s for a good cause 2. I’ve got it coming 3. It’s legal 4. Everyone does it 5. Others are a lot worse 6. I don’t get caught 7. It’s not for me 8. It benefits my family Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 9. It’s necessary/it’s the only way I can win 10. I’m just following orders 11. My job is on the line 12. I’m just fighting fire with fire 13. No one is really hurt 70 Character Development Seminar

Win-At-Any-Cost Careerism I don’t have to outrun the bear. . . I just have

Misplaced Loyalty Dog loyalty over cat loyalty w Dogs are loyal to a master w Cats are loyal to a house Example: Lying or cheating “for the team” Tab 14 – Making Decisions © 2005 Josephson Institute 73 Character Development Seminar