Have you upheld your ethical character today?

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert Lucania
  • 60th Surgical Operations Squadron deputy commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Our world is continually changing which produces numerous ethical dilemmas. As a medical professional, I confront ethical questions every day, some related to medical practice and others concerning an officer's conflict of interest.

What are ethics and how do the principles translate to our profession as Airmen? The word ethics roots from the Greek word ethos which means a stable place.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ethics as the principles of conduct governing an individual or group. Professional organizations create ethical codes based on rules of law which hold legal sanctions.

These rules provide tools to help us determine right from wrong so we can make sound ethical decisions to protect us and the organization.

How does this relate to our professions? Read the paper or listen to the news and you will find the ethical conduct of government officials being scrutinized on a daily basis.

The Department of Defense has guidelines that hold us ethically accountable. The Joint Ethics Regulation and Air Force Instructions outline clear guidance on issues that if ignored can get you in a serious ethical dilemma.

For example, Air Force professionals can not accept a payment for writings produced as part of official duties. If a commissioned officer participates personally or substantially as part of official duties in a contract or source selection then they may not work as an employee for that company or organization that has a financial interest.

How can you protect yourself from becoming involved in complex ethical dilemmas? Know the organization's guidance and follow it. If you feel your actions are questionable, chances are there are questions that require clarification before you proceed.

Choosing right over wrong can be difficult since ethical choices can subject individuals to professional ridicule. Learn how to tactfully make ethical decisions to minimize ridicule when you do what is right, it will help you build courage. Remember, making ethical decisions builds character.

Live an ethical life and you will find unethical people instinctively refrain from inappropriate behavior in your presence especially when you hold them accountable. Aristotle made it clear when he said, "We become just by performing just acts."

As leaders we must set the example and if our lives reflect ethics, morality and integrity, our influence will be enormous. What a tribute to your character when a subordinate asks what you would do in a similar ethical dilemma.

Finally, always ask yourself four simple questions when making a decision:
1. Is it the right thing to do?
2. Does it make sense?
3. Is it legal, moral and ethical?
4. Would I want to be treated this way?

If you can answer "yes" to each of these questions, you are making a decision using sound judgment.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put ethical decision-making in simple yet powerful terms: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."

Have you upheld your ethical character today?