- Recognize the ethical issue.
Identify when a situation presents an ethical dilemma. It may involve conflicting values, such as short-term gain vs. long-term consequences, or compassion vs. fairness. - Get the facts.
Gather all relevant information. Understand what is known, what remains unclear and whether enough information is available to make a sound decision. - Evaluate alternatives.
Consider the available options. Weigh each one by asking what consequences might arise and who could be affected. - Make a decision and evaluate it.
Choose the best course of action and assess it—imagine explaining the decision publicly. Would it hold up to scrutiny? - Act and reflect on the outcome.
Implement the decision thoughtfully. Afterward, reflect on the results and what lessons can be learned.
BOSS Resources
Whether you are a BOSS Representative or a BOSS Team Member, these valuable resources are here to help make your Garrison BOSS Program Better!
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Five Steps to Ethical Decisions for Single Soldiers
Being a single Soldier presents both freedom and responsibility. Without the immediate support of a partner or Family at home, you are often left to navigate the complexities of life on your own. Whether handling peer pressure in the barracks, responding to leadership challenges or making decisions that affect your career and relationships, you will sometimes find that the path forward isn’t clear.
Ethical decision-making is a critical skill for any Soldier, but especially for those making important choices alone. Every decision a Soldier makes reflects their integrity, shapes their reputation and influences their unit members’ trust in them. The Do the Right Thing: 5 Steps to Better Ethical Decisions framework offers a straightforward process to help single Soldiers act with clarity and confidence.
By following this process, single Soldiers can enhance their decision-making ability, build trust within their unit and embody the ethical leadership that the Army depends on.
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