What’s the right thing to do? Is it something you either know in your gut (or not), or is there a process to reason your way through moral ambiguous situations?
The good news is that both your “gut” and your reason have important roles to play to help you choose the “right” path through tricky situations. But as with flabby muscles, you have to work to develop moral reasoning and moral courage.
First, let your gut talk. When you start to contemplate an action, or you hear about something going on, and things start feeling queasy inside, stop. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Listen.
Second, look inside to identify what’s happening. Give words to the queasiness. What exactly is the moral sensibility that is coming under fire? Truth? Fairness? Kindness? Decency? Understand why and how much this value matters to you.
Third, look outside you for moral markers. If you work in an organization, what does its code of conduct have to say on the matter (if it even has one)? Look to applicable laws, regulations – and not simply technical adherence to them – but to the spirit of what they stand for. Who else has faced this type of dilemma and what did they do? Find wise confidents.
Fourth, make a decision about action. To ignore the problem always is a baseline option – but perhaps not the best one. Inaction is itself a moral choice. If you do decide to take a stand in some way, think through the consequences because there will be some. Run the movie.
Fifth, reflect afterwards. What did you learn about yourself and the organization? What are you willing to fight for? Can you get a good night’s sleep?
What would you do differently next time? Because there will always be a next time. But you will be better prepared.