Chapter Two: Building a Strong Character with Impeccable Ethics

Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.

Potter Steward

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Chapter Goals

Learning• How to develop your

personal character and ethics

• The value of trustworthiness

• The importance of honoring commitments

Ability• Discuss the six levels of

ethical decision making • Build a good name and

reputation

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Ethics and Character

Ethics• A set of moral principles

that guide our decisions and behavior and help us make the appropriate decisions when faced with choices.

• How we choose to live our lives and how we treat other people.

Character• Decisions we make about

how to conduct our lives and how we will treat other people

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Integrity

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Components of Ethical Choices

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What’s In Your Name?

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Six Pillars of Character

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Work Ethic

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Respect

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Factors in Moral Bankruptcy

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Prominent Behaviors of Those Who Are Morally Bankrupt

• Unhealthy self-esteem

• Lack courage

• Use poor judgment

• Always looking for more

• Untruthful

• Jealous and arrogant

• Practice deception and betrayal

• Unfair

• Put self-interest ahead of everything

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Two Views on Trust

Those who distrust everyone until it is PROVEN they can be Trusted.

Those who trust everyone until it is proven that they cannot be trusted.

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Factors that Build TrustIs truthful even in times of personal turmoil .

Does the right thing even if it's not popular.

Is courageous and does what they say they will do.

Listens to his or her conscience.

Supports and protects family, friends, and community.

Work hard to build and maintain his or her reputation.

Seeks advice from others when in doubt about the “right” thing .

Is honorable in all actions.

Does not go against his or her personal beliefs for gain.

Constantly tries to improve.

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Building Your Personal Guiding Statement

The Guiding Statement is something you value and it must be strong enough to motivate and carry you in hard, tough times

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Recap from Chapter One

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Using Your Guiding Statement

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