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Me First! Building a Balanced Ethical Perspective at Work

  • Description

Short Description: 
Professional ethics begins with how people view themselves and those around them, a critical factor in how they approach ethical decisions in the workplace.

How people view themselves and those around them is a critical part of how they approach ethical decisions in the workplace. Me First! is a course that helps people get beyond self-centered thinking and attitudes in order to improve relationships, raise ethical standards, and restore a sense of balance and perspective in the workplace.

 

Summary:
Me First! is a course that helps people get beyond self-centered thinking and attitudes in order to improve relationships, raise ethical standards, and restore a sense of balance and perspective in the workplace. How people view themselves and those around them is a critical part of how they approach ethical decisions around them. This course is really about changing the way people think about each other. Thinking about others improves respect, understanding, and leads to greater ethical awareness. The course discusses the problems associated with human ego. It helps participants move to a better understanding of the principles behind the Golden Rule and the pitfalls of human greed by changing the focus from ourselves to others. This course provides deeper-lever character training with the intent of providing solid moral support to any ethics-training program.  

What Is Professional Ethics in the Workplace?

Professional ethics refers to the principles and standards that guide how people behave, make decisions, and interact with others in the workplace. It involves acting with honesty, fairness, respect, responsibility, and integrity even when difficult situations or personal interests create challenges. In the workplace, professional ethics also means considering how our choices affect colleagues, customers, leaders, and the organization as a whole. The Me First! course helps participants examine the personal attitudes and behaviors that can influence ethical choices and develop a more balanced perspective when dealing with people and workplace situations.

 

Course Objectives: 

  • Understand the human ego and its snares and pitfalls to character and ethics in the workplace. 

  • Show how ego affects our character, perspective on authority, and other people. 

  • Define and understand the age-old principle of the Golden Rule and how it influences our ethical decision-making at work. 

  • Understand what greed is and learn facts about how it affects the workplace. 

  • Learn practical principles to avoid letting greed creep into our character and attitude. 

  • Learn how to focus on others instead of ourselves in order to improve ethical behavior and build stronger relationships at work. 

  • Understand what binds all of us together and use this knowledge to improve our workplace environment. 

  • Foster a greater sense of dignity and respect for each other, which will translate to a more ethical workplace. 

Professional Ethics and Ethical Decision-Making at Work

Ethical decision-making at work requires more than knowing what is right or wrong. It requires employees to recognize how personal interests, emotions, assumptions, and attitudes can influence their choices. This course encourages participants to look beyond self-centered thinking and consider the needs and dignity of others when making decisions. By understanding the connection between personal values, character, and workplace behavior, participants can make more thoughtful choices, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a more ethical workplace environment.

 

Course Outline 

Part 1 – Ethics and Ego 

  • The Human Ego 

  • Ethical Snares of Ego 

  • Ego and Authority 

  • Ego and Character

     

Part 2 – The Golden Rule 

  • What is the Golden Rule? 

  • The Meaning and Principles of the Golden Rule 

  • Making It Work in the Workplace 

  • The Golden Rule and Human Value

    Applying Professional Ethics Through the Golden Rule

    The Golden Rule provides a practical foundation for professional ethics by encouraging people to consider how they would want to be treated before acting toward others. In the workplace, this principle can help employees approach disagreements, decisions, and everyday interactions with greater respect and fairness. Applying the Golden Rule does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or decisions. Instead, it encourages people to consider human value, dignity, and the potential impact of their actions while maintaining appropriate professional standards.

 

Part 3 – Greed…Choosing Principle Over Profit 

  • Understanding Greed 

  • Knowing Your Principles 

  • Wants and Needs? 

  • A Reality Check

     

Part 4 – Focusing on Others 

  • Dignity and Respect for All 

  • Learning What Life is All About 

  • Commonalities Between People 

Building a More Ethical Workplace Through Respect

A strong ethical workplace begins with how people treat one another. Respect, dignity, fairness, and consideration for others can strengthen relationships and create an environment where people are more willing to communicate and work together. By moving the focus from self-interest toward shared human values, employees can develop stronger professional relationships and demonstrate more consistent ethical behavior. The principles explored in this course can help participants build a balanced ethical perspective that supports trust, accountability, and a healthier workplace culture.

Course materials