You've got another difficult problem to solve. However, now that you've had some experience using the lenses, we know that you can sort your way through this second problem. As you remember, the second step in making an ethical decision is Being Intelligent. As you reflect on the communications from the previous screen, use your critical thinking skills to evaluate the facts and each person's emotional state to figure out exactly what ethical values are in tension with each other. Then, you'll be able to frame the issue as a statement that clearly highlights the ethical tension. Remember that the best statement of the issue will...

• Highlight the tension between two competing values.
• Focus on whether the outcome would help everyone achieve their highest ethical goals instead of just taking care of yourself.
• Avoid focusing on a specific course of action. Choosing exactly what you're going to do too early defeats the purpose of analysis.
• Avoid focusing on yourself to avoid an unpleasant outcome. Being ethically mature involves considering the expectations of all of the people involved, even if you face some risks.

If you want some additional background in framing ethical issues, click on the book icon at the top of this page. Remember that the Ethics Coach playbook changes on each page with information that may give you a clearer picture of the task you are facing. As you are Being Intelligent, select the statement that best represents the values that are in tension in the ethical dilemma. Then click Next at the bottom of the page.

Which issue frames the values in tension?

A. How to inform the CEO that his friend the COO is destroying morale and executive team cohesiveness without jeopardizing your own career. B. How to address the COO's damaging behavior in a professional way while continuing to get your own work done. C. How to get the COO fired without his suing for wrongful termination. D. How to balance the company's need for effective leadership with the friendship between two individuals.