An Ethical Dilemma

While I was writing my new ethics for Minnesota insurance course, I came across some very interesting statistics, cases and questions. Some of the books asked many questions, but didn't provide very many answers. That is because ethics is such a personal issue.

Where do ethics come from? It is a study, a philosophy, a methodology, something as simple as right vs. wrong. However, I have found that right vs.wrong isn't all that simple. When we are young, our family influences our version of what is right. Then we get out into the world, start making friends and get some conflicting information. And then we enter the realm of the working class and get even more conflicting information. It appears that "right" is on a sliding scale depending on many factors.

How do you determine what is the right action to take? Some people take action based on a gut reactions and what feels good. Some choose the path of least resistance. Others actually take the time to evaluate the pros and cons of their actions before deciding. When given the opportunity, I like the last tactic best. Negotiations go so much more smoothly when we can come up with win/win situations instead of win/lose. However, it is the most time consuming, possibly the most costly (initially) and sometimes it is the hardest thing to do.

Doing the "right" thing isn't always easy. Sometimes it takes courage to stand up and admit an error, correct a mistake or take the high road. There may be initial costs involved in doing the right thing. However, one look at situations such as Enron, the current BP oil spill, the various executives that are now going to jail - should tell you that taking the initial right steps in the first place would have been much less costly in the second place. Some of the costs come in forms of money while others come in the form of personal freedoms and integrity.

So, how do we do the right thing? Find your core values and stick to them! What were the lessons you learned early on? Take a deep breath, consider the pros and the cons, and then do what is right for those involved. Who knows, you might avert a world disaster.

Ready, set, Nah

Do you have projects that you just can't seem to get started? I know I do. In fact, I have a lot of writing to do and I like to write, but for some reason I just can't seem to get started. It is the one thing I put off until "later". Unfortunately, later is just as busy as right now. Then I find myself up against a deadline and then the quality is not what I wanted it to be. So, how do I change that?

First, is to get in the right mindset. I have to have a good attitude about what it is that I am going to work on. I need to get excited about the creation of the project and its potential outcome. Doing a little brainstorming will help to warm up the situation.

Second, I need to make sure the tools I need are readily available. I purchased a netbook so that I could have a quick-booting machine at my disposal whenever I wanted to sit and type up anything. Well, that netbook has been sitting in its case for months on a shelf. It needs to come out and become a constant companion. So, when I am ready the tools I need are at my fingertips and I don't have to go in search of the items. Having to gather tools is one of the major road blocks to starting many projects.

Third, is to jump in! Boot up the netbook, grab my notebook with the latest ideas, and just start writing. Setting up my surroundings for success is another useful part of this process. Turn on the background music, fill up the coffee pot, and do a little warm-up stretching. Sometimes this means I also need to grab the netbook and go to the local coffee shop or library. A change of scenery can sometimes help get that project rolling. Look around, is the place where you plan to do your next project energizing? If not, think of another place for it. Sometimes even an unusual spot will be more inspiring. When I was in college, I did a lot of studying in the park under a shade tree in the spring. As the weather is getting nicer and nicer, I dream of being outside - so go there. If that isn't possible, use it as a project completion or even a step completion reward. When you get your project done or at least a good step within your project, treat yourself to something. Keep the energy up and get the project done. It works.