Ethics: Creating a Moral Identity in Business

Damon (2004, pp. 155-159) presents a 10-step common sense approach to creating (or developing) a moral identity in business.

Step One: Find a larger purpose that inspires your work.

Step Two: It is never too early to find a noble purpose in your business career--and it is never too late.

Step Three: The path to success in business begins with an act of self-discovery.

Step Four: Find mentors who represent models of success and integrity.

Step Five: Use your moral imagination to generate creative business solutions.

Step Six: Use your moral imagination to transport yourself into the thoughts and feelings of everyone in your business world.

Step Seven: Stay humble, especially after gaining financial power and influence over others.

Step Eight: Find and sustain your ethical bearings by paying attention to both the ends that you seek and the means by which you seek them.

Step Nine: Resist the cynicism and discouragement that may arise with the realization of how far from perfect you really are.

Step Ten: When you attain a leadership position, consider it a service rather than a privilege, and use it to pass your purpose on to others.