We send out this quick short newsy – a 32 min read, at tops, every fortnight. I write them quickly, and with much heart, as the topics I write about are topics I know and care about. I’ve studied them, I’ve read about them, I’ve had discussions about them and most importantly I’ve usually experienced or coached others experiencing them. Over the last 2 years, I’ve experienced ethical dilemmas like never before and hence it has become a topic of interest. What I didn’t realise was that it was also a topic that is core for so many of you right now. My last newsy titled “Lead With Ethics Or Don’t Lead at All” resulted in text messages, phone calls and an email that hit me hard. So, I’ve decided to write a second post. I’m going deeper. It’s about what to do when you actually find yourself in an ethical dilemma.

Leadership in Australian agriculture is built on trust. Every decision you make as a leader affects others. Responding to competing interests is when ethical leadership is required the most. It all starts when you know or are privy to something you know is not OK. It’s when your stomach churns and you say that’s not right or you actually feel unwell. It’s incumbent on you and all of us to stand up, speak out and NOT to stay quiet. Change only happens when leaders have the courage to do hard things and not walk past things they know to not be OK.

But there’s a way to do this. You can’t go at it alone. You need to be working in really solid and trusted relationships to raise your dilemma and you need to be vulnerable enough to share your concerns and make suggestions for better ways of working through high stakes issues. Where you do this needs to offer you psychological safety and sadly across Agriculture and other industries this is not always in reach.

“Leadership isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about how you achieve it.  Ethics are a really big part of this. And at times it can turn you inside out.  I encourage you to push forward anyway.”- Jo Eady

I have had people say to me they wish they could give feedback (they’re talking about challenging feedback) the way I do. If you care for others, care for the issue or opportunity at hand and or care about the impact, then you will always find a way to offer up and share your thoughts. It reminds me of this transformational quote from Brene Brown.

“Clear is kind.  Unclear is unkind.” – Brene Brown

Here are 5 ways you should consider when you face your very next ethical dilemma.

1. Remain in tact – reduce your anxiety – Anxiety can create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you need to fix or solve everything immediately. Unless there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety or wellbeing, give yourself permission to pause. Take a breath, create some space and avoid making significant decisions when emotions are running high and your stomach is yelling “no this isn’t ok.”  Let things settle.

2. Separate the facts from your feelings – Get clear about what you’re feeling and how hyped and charged up you are. Write down what emotions you’re feeling and why. Create distance from these feelings and look at the facts at hand. Acknowledge your emotions without allowing them to become the only driver of your decision. Ask yourself: What has actually happened? What am I responsible for? What can I do to support myself and others?

3. Know and understand your obligations – Consider the professional code of conduct, organisational policies, contractual responsibilities and any legal obligations that apply. Ask yourself what’s really at stake. These might include honesty, fairness, confidentiality, accountability or respect. Where obligations conflict, seek some advice and support. This isn’t the time to rely on your personal judgement alone.

4. Seek a trusted, independent perspective – Ethical dilemmas can feel isolating, particularly when relationships, reputation or financial interests are involved. Speak with an appropriately qualified and independent adviser, mentor, supervisor or professional association. Be mindful of confidentiality and conflicts of interest when choosing who to consult. Alot of our executive coaching clients reach out to us for exactly this reason.

5. Make a considered decision and document it – Once you have gathered the relevant information, decide on the best course of action. Record the facts, write them down – include advice received, options considered and reasons for your decision. If the matter involves serious misconduct, safety risks or potential legal breaches, use appropriate reporting or escalate it to the people / places that hold responsibility for this.

A final thought

Finding yourself in the middle of an ethical dilemma can be a really difficult spot to be. You can’t always control the circumstances you find yourself in, but you can control how thoughtfully you respond. And if a situation is causing significant anxiety, remember that protecting your own wellbeing is part of making a sustainable and ethical decision.

Over to You

Have you ever found yourself in an ethical dilemma? Did you speak up? Did you stay quiet? Have you got the knowledge and skills to work through the dilemma? Are any of these questions hard to answer for you? If so, likely now is a good time to give them a go. This will be very helpful to support your leadership as well as those you lead.