The second step in making an ethical decision isBeing Intelligent. After paying attention and figuring out what's going on, you have to evaluate the evidence. When you're being intelligent, you use your critical thinking skills to evaluate the facts and the information about each person's emotional state to figure out exactly what ethical values are in tension with each other. Then, you'll be able to frame the issue as a statement that clearly highlights the tension.

As you frame the issue, consider your obligation to yourself both to have good ethical motives and to choose ethical acts. In addition, consider the expectations of the other people involved.

The best statement of the issue will...

• Highlight the tension between two competing values or obligations.
• Focus on helping everyone achieve their highest ethical goals instead of just taking care of yourself.
• Avoid focusing on a specific course of action. Choosing exactly what you're going to do too early defeats the purpose of analysis.
• Avoid focusing only on avoiding an unpleasant outcome. Being ethically mature involves considering the expectations of all of the people involved, even if you face some risks.

If you want some additional background in framing ethical issues, click on the book icon at the top of this page. Remember that the Ethics Coach playbook changes on each page with information that may give you a clearer picture of the task you are facing.

As you arebeing intelligent, select the statement that best represents the values in tension in the ethical dilemma you're facing. Then clickNextat the bottom of the page.

Which issue frames the values in tension?

How to ensure employee time is used for company purposes without union employees filing grievances.

Whether to focus on the long-term financial health of the division and its employees or the short term achievement of the division's financial goals.

How to balance the Nutrition Division's need to implement productivity improvements with employees' expectations of privacy.

How to achieve productivity improvements without alienating the work force and jeopardizing future business results.