Making sound decisions grounded in integrity is essential for building trust and credibility as a leader. Using ethical litmus tests for your choices ensures that your actions align with core values while cultivating a culture of responsibility. Below are methods to evaluate the ethics of your decisions.

The Transparency Test - Ask yourself: “Would I feel comfortable sharing this decision publicly?” If the answer is no, reconsider your choice to ensure it reflects honesty and accountability.

The Legacy Test - Consider how this decision will impact your long-term reputation. Ethical leaders make choices they can be proud of, even years later later.

The Reciprocity Test - Think about how you would view the fairness of the decision if you were the one impacted. This promotes empathy and equity.

The Consequences Test - Evaluate your decision's short- and long-term impacts on all stakeholders. Ethical choices take into account both immediate and enduring consequences.

The Values Alignment Test - Compare the decision against your organization’s stated values. Misalignment with core principles is a red flag.

The Lawful Conduct Test - Ensure the decision adheres to legal and regulatory standards. While legality doesn’t equal morality, it provides a baseline.

The Platinum Rule Test - Ask yourself: "Am I treating others the way they want to be treated?” This question promotes integrity and respect.

The Mission Consistency Test - Verify that the decision supports your organization’s mission and purpose. Unethical choices often deviate from the bigger vision.

The Stakeholder Test - Evaluate if the decision considers the well-being of everyone involved. Ethical leaders consider various viewpoints before taking action.

The Intuition Test - Trust your instincts. If something about the decision feels off, listen to your gut and explore further.

By integrating these tests into your decision-making process, you can lead with confidence, clarity, and integrity.

Reflect - How can ethical decision-making shape your leadership style? What values do you prioritize most when making decisions?

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