When to Speak and not to Speak-That is the Question

Ethics-A trickier subject is difficult to find.  UNFORTUTELY, one reason ethics is so hard is that it is so important. As a leader or someone with authority ethics become even more exponentially critical. Leaders without ethics are how we get cults and genocide in my opinion. (Yes, that is an extreme but I am using it to illustrate a point).

Ethics take thought and practice, like many other things in life.  This is a good avenue for both.  I have chosen to scenarios out of the book Students Helping Students and then will discuss what I hope my response would be, (because practice like this helps you prepare for situations, but you can never really know until you are in them), and what ethical principles it touches on.

1

“you are talking with a student who describes having taken part in an activity that, if caught, would probably be a felony. This person says this rather casually and even asserts rather boldly that nothing of consequence ‘happened’”.

This relates to principle 10 to take responsible action if learning about an illegal behavior. I think I would report it to my supervisor first if it happened on a shift. If not I would talk with a the campus police, but ask that my supervisor support me when I do this. I could also do this though an anonymous tip. However I think that doing it directly or though the supervisor would be more responsible and fair. Especially if it was a felony, which may mean someone got hurt.  This could mean a loss of relationship with the individual, or even retaliatory harassment. And if a case was made out of my statement there would be legalities I would have to do. However I think that the risk should be worth it.

2

“As a discussion leader in a group, you notice a student with whom you have had un unresolved conflict during the past year. You have some strong feelings and reactions to seeing this individual.”

 

This deals with principle 7-continue to deal appropriately when working with someone you have some aversion for. And with Principle 9-managing your emotional response. I am not going to lie. This would be a difficult situation for me. However, what I think I would do is 2 parts. One I might have a conversation with that person just to say that while we have issues, lets do this project professionally and deal with our issues later. Or I might just treat him/her with professional detachment. Not mean or rude, but fair. Just try and act like they are just another person in the group. The fall out could come if the other person does not agree to be professional or if the other person starts something. If a conflict happens, I might have to step down from a leadership role.