Ethics 1, #2

Self-awareness is key to the implementation of professional ethics. Discuss how your personal morals, values, bias and ability to maintain adequate boundaries, confidentiality and determine right from wrong might both positively and negatively impact your professional relationships. (200 words minimum)

In any kind of leadership position we are required to maintain certain levels of boundaries that we are willing to place ourselves into and maintain vigilantly.  These boundaries encompass the whole concept behind ethics, morals, values, bias, and confidentiality, just as each of them are what make up the “boundaries” that we have placed for ourselves.  The positive side of these boundaries is it allows us to do our duty consistently and passionately for what we truly feel is right and good.  The negative aspect of this can (and has, for me) also affect friendships and personal relationships that may disagree with our personal set of ethics and morals.  A personal example I have dealt with is allowing a convicted sex offender (non-physical) attend high rites at our Grove.  My moral standards and ethics embrace his desire for spiritual sanctuary and the chance to grow and move forward in a positive way.  Others may feel he is a threat to certain members or future members.  Both sides may feel they are doing and believing in the right and true way, but the standards of ethics are different and, in this case, opposite.  This, unfortunately, causes dissent and highly emotional situations that we as leaders must endure and “stick to our guns” so to speak if we are to maintain our ethical standards without the personal bias of friendship or relationships.  Not just personal relationships, but the professional relationships with our peers and fellow leaders who may not always agree with our personal morals either so that we can at least come together on a common understanding, if not agreement.

(Word Count: 269)