Ethics and Next Generations: How to change the world

Hola Juan. I would enlighten the aspiring and next generation of project practitioners to understand the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and apply these guidelines that stand on four strong pillars, namely, responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. The Code applies these four values to the real-life practice of project management where the best outcome is often the most ethical one.

From my point of view, I think advices should be given to the current generation, not the next generations. The current generation should be a role model for the next generations to follow. We teach our next generations by showing them real ethical examples as Rami mentioned and teach them the law of Cause-and-Effect.

Great topic, Juan, thanks for raising!
I really liked Rami's point above that the shaping of one's ethical behavior happens in many contexts -- school, family, work, public figures, etc. I would add one more source, which is self-reflection. A structured process of ethical self-assessment can be a real opportunity to consider what we hold as key values, and the chance to formalize the results of that assessment into a personal code of conduct. As PM practitioners, we document the results of our analyses, whether about risk, or impressions of stakeholders, or communications plans, etc., and we review and update them periodically. I would propose that the same is true for this process as well. As with PM artifacts, it is very helpful to have a document -- probably just a short collection of bullet points -- that summarizes the values that guide our behavior. And if we're not quite there yet, we should also have a document that includes the values to which we aspire!

Ethics is not a skill you can learn, as Rami wrote, but a lifelong improvement of how you perceive reality and make decisions.
This means you have to think about ethical behavior every day, be aware of your judgments and biases, reflect on your decisions, and develop habits to cope with ethical dilemmas.

A good primer is here:
https://hbr.org/2020/01/building-an-ethical-career

Look for a mentor.

Great topic, Juan, thanks for raising!
I really liked Rami's point above that the shaping of one's ethical behavior happens in many contexts -- school, family, work, public figures, etc. I would add one more source, which is self-reflection. A structured process of ethical self-assessment can be a real opportunity to consider what we hold as key values, and the chance to formalize the results of that assessment into a personal code of conduct. As PM practitioners, we document the results of our analyses, whether about risk, or impressions of stakeholders, or communications plans, etc., and we review and update them periodically. I would propose that the same is true for this process as well. As with PM artifacts, it is very helpful to have a document -- probably just a short collection of bullet points -- that summarizes the values that guide our behavior. And if we're not quite there yet, we should also have a document that includes the values to which we aspire!

Drawing from my experience in project and program management, where ethical decision-making is paramount, I offer the following advice to the next generation for cultivating a strong moral foundation:

Continuous Education: Make a lifelong commitment to learning about ethics. This includes not only formal education but also reading widely in philosophy, history, literature, and other fields that explore the human condition and ethical dilemmas. Seek out courses and training that focus on ethics in your specific field to understand the unique challenges you might face.

Diverse Perspectives: Engage with a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. Exposure to different ways of thinking can help you understand the relative nature of certain ethical decisions and the importance of context in moral reasoning.

Mentorship: Seek mentors who embody high ethical standards and observe how they navigate ethical dilemmas. Their insights and examples can guide you when you face your challenges.

Reflection: Regularly reflect on your values and decisions. Reflection can be facilitated through writing, discussion groups, or quiet contemplation. The key is to ask yourself not just what is legal but what is right.

Community Service: Get involved in community service and volunteer work. These experiences can foster empathy, a critical ethical skill, and provide practical contexts for understanding the impact of ethical decision-making on people's lives.

Professional Networks: Participate in professional associations, which often provide resources and forums for discussing ethical practices. These networks can also offer support when you're faced with ethical dilemmas.

Lead by Example: Strive to lead by example in your own life. Ethical behavior can be contagious, and by setting a positive example, you can influence others in your personal and professional circles.

Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for your actions, and when you make mistakes, own them, learn from them, and work to rectify any harm caused. This integrity will be the cornerstone of your professional reputation.

Advocacy: Advocate for ethical practices in your organizations and industries. This can involve supporting policies and initiatives that promote ethical behavior and pushing back against unjust practices.

Balance: Learn to balance competing ethical considerations, such as the tension between transparency and confidentiality or between innovation and safety. Being able to navigate such complexities is a mark of moral sophistication.

Remember, ethics is not just about avoiding wrong but also about actively doing right by others. It’s about the choices that define us and how we are remembered. By embedding ethical behavior in the fabric of daily life, the next generations can contribute significantly to building a more just and compassionate society.

Drawing from my experience in project and program management, where ethical decision-making is paramount, I offer the following advice to the next generation for cultivating a strong moral foundation:

Continuous Education: Make a lifelong commitment to learning about ethics. This includes not only formal education but also reading widely in philosophy, history, literature, and other fields that explore the human condition and ethical dilemmas. Seek out courses and training that focus on ethics in your specific field to understand the unique challenges you might face.

Diverse Perspectives: Engage with a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. Exposure to different ways of thinking can help you understand the relative nature of certain ethical decisions and the importance of context in moral reasoning.

Mentorship: Seek mentors who embody high ethical standards and observe how they navigate ethical dilemmas. Their insights and examples can guide you when you face your challenges.

Reflection: Regularly reflect on your values and decisions. Reflection can be facilitated through writing, discussion groups, or quiet contemplation. The key is to ask yourself not just what is legal but what is right.

Community Service: Get involved in community service and volunteer work. These experiences can foster empathy, a critical ethical skill, and provide practical contexts for understanding the impact of ethical decision-making on people's lives.

Professional Networks: Participate in professional associations, which often provide resources and forums for discussing ethical practices. These networks can also offer support when you're faced with ethical dilemmas.

Lead by Example: Strive to lead by example in your own life. Ethical behavior can be contagious, and by setting a positive example, you can influence others in your personal and professional circles.

Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for your actions, and when you make mistakes, own them, learn from them, and work to rectify any harm caused. This integrity will be the cornerstone of your professional reputation.

Advocacy: Advocate for ethical practices in your organizations and industries. This can involve supporting policies and initiatives that promote ethical behavior and pushing back against unjust practices.

Balance: Learn to balance competing ethical considerations, such as the tension between transparency and confidentiality or between innovation and safety. Being able to navigate such complexities is a mark of moral sophistication.

Remember, ethics is not just about avoiding wrong but also about actively doing right by others. It’s about the choices that define us and how we are remembered. By embedding ethical behavior in the fabric of daily life, the next generations can contribute significantly to building a more just and compassionate society.

Hola Juan. I would enlighten the aspiring and next generation of project practitioners to understand the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and apply these guidelines that stand on four strong pillars, namely, responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. The Code applies these four values to the real-life practice of project management where the best outcome is often the most ethical one.