Product Description

What is the difference between an ethical decision and what the author, Harvard Business School Professor Joseph Badaracco, Jr., calls a defining moment? An ethical decision typically involves choosing between two options: one we know to be right and another we know to be wrong. A defining moment challenges us in a deeper way by asking us to choose between two or more ideals in which we deeply believe. Such decisions rarely have one "correct" response. Taken cumulatively over many years, they form the basis of an individual's character. Defining moments ask executives to dig below the busy surface of their lives and refocus on their core values and principles. Once uncovered, those values and principles renew their sense of purpose at the workplace and act as a springboard for shrewd, pragmatic, politically astute action. Three types of defining moments are particularly common in today's workplace. The first type is largely an issue of personal identity. The second type concerns groups as well as individuals. The third kind involves defining a company's role within society. By learning to identify each of those three situations, managers can learn to navigate right-versus-right decisions successfully. The author asks a series of practical questions that will help managers take time out to examine their values and then transform their beliefs into action. By engaging in this process of self-inquiry, managers will be gaining the tools to tackle their most elusive, challenging, and essential business dilemmas.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1119680 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-01
• Released on: 2008-10-25
• Format: Download: PDF
• Binding: Digital
• 13 pages

Customer Reviews

How to choose between right and right - and feel good!
Joseph L. Badaracco is a famous Professor of Business Ethics at Harvard Business School. This article, published in the March-April 1998 issue of the Harvard Business Review, is based on his 1997-book 'Defining Moments'. His latest book is 'Leading Quietly' (2002).

"We have all experienced, at one time or another, situations in which our professional responsibilities unexpectedly come into conflict with our deepest values." The decisions we take in these circumstances form the basis of an individual's character. Badaracco terms them 'defining moments'. He explores the difference between an ethical decision (choosing between two options) and a defining moment (choosing between two or more ideals). He further identifies three kinds of defining moments: One for individuals, one for work groups, and one for executives. "By learning to identify each of these three defining moments, managers will learn to navigate right-versus-right decisions with grace and strength." For each of these kinds of defining moments Badaracco provides several questions that require addressing. He uses a great example for each type of defining moment, whereby he highlights the issues involved in making the right decision. Badaracco reminds us that defining moments are not merely intellectual exercises; they are opportunities for inspired action and personal growth.

Yes, this is a great article on a difficult issue which most of us face several times in our life and not just at work. The questions that Badaracco provides are great tools to prepare us for when those moments arrive - as they will arrive whether you want it or not. It is more an article into self-help, such as Stephen Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People', than on decision-making for businesspeople. The article is written in simple US-English.