The
two video presentations by Dr. Bruce Weinstein (The Ethics Guy) and Chuck Gallagher were
very inspirational and reminded me of the consequences of our decision.
Morality is about differentiating between right and wrong. Morals are based on what you think is right
and good (Moral, n.d.). Chuck Gallagher (2013) found out the hard way, when he made
an unethical decision. He was a sentence to prison for scamming people and defrauding
the company he worked for. Gallagher initiated his presentation with a strong
visual, and a quote, “You have made a terrible mistake, but you are not a
mistake”. We all make mistakes and no one is perfect, he was held
responsible for his actions and lost everything because of it. Gallagher (2013)
stated, “Choices will define your life forever, and your legacy”. We are not
exempt from making decisions and I agree that some decisions carried bigger
consequences than others. This is why we focus so much and emphasize leaders need
to make ethical and moral decisions. We are responsible for our actions and
need to see the slippery slope before its too late. Bruce Weinstein (2012) believed that some
type of framework could be used in order to make ethical choices. I agree that
training and experience will provide a foundation of ethical principles and
hopefully encourage ethical behavior within people. It just takes one person to
start a movement and change the course of an action. Chuck Gallagher (2013)
decided to change his ways and now teaches people how to make ethical
decisions. He knew first hand the consequences of such act, and he encourages
other to avoid such mistakes.
The
Navy embodies the ethical values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We have
seen over time how military personnel demonstrate courage, unparalleled commitment
and leadership. Take for example, Navy Seal, Chief Edward, Byers who was
awarded the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of hostages and
several of his teammates during a rescue mission (see citation below). Ethics
and moral values can extend to actions that will at times puts you in a
situation that you are uncomfortable with. However, as leaders we must abide by
the rules and policy in place. While stationed abroad, my squadron went through
a situation where a couple of junior officers disregarded the rules and the liberty
policy. This is an act of disobedient and to make the situation worst, they
lied about it when confronted with the accusations. Lying and breaking the
rules is an unethical act, and it goes against what the military believe to be
right. The individuals were held accountable for their actions and are no
longer in the military. I learned a lot from this situation and saw first-hand
how being unethical can be dangerous. As leaders, we need to hold each other’s
accountable and intervene when you see something out of the normal. I’m
continuing to learn from my peers and I always try my best to relay the message
of ethics and morals to my subordinate.
CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE
OPERATOR (SEA, AIR, AND LAND)
EDWARD C. BYERS, JR.
UNITED STATES NAVY
For
service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member in Afghanistan in
support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 8 to 9 December 2012. As the rescue
force approached the target building, an enemy sentry detected them and darted
inside to alert his fellow captors. The sentry quickly reemerged, and the lead
assaulter attempted to neutralize him. Chief Byers with his team sprinted to
the door of the target building. As the primary breacher, Chief Byers stood in
the doorway fully exposed to enemy fire while ripping down six layers of heavy
blankets fastened to the inside ceiling and walls to clear a path for the
rescue force. The first assaulter pushed his way through the blankets, and was
mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire from within. Chief Byers, completely
aware of the imminent threat, fearlessly rushed into the room and engaged an
enemy guard aiming an AK-47 at him. He then tackled another adult male who had
darted towards the corner of the room. During the ensuing hand-to-hand
struggle, Chief Byers confirmed the man was not the hostage and engaged him. As
other rescue team members called out to the hostage, Chief Byers heard a voice respond
in English and raced toward it. He jumped atop the American hostage and
shielded him from the high volume of fire within the small room. While covering
the hostage with his body, Chief Byers immobilized another guard with his bare
hands, and restrained the guard until a teammate could eliminate him. His bold
and decisive actions under fire saved the lives of the hostage and several of
his teammates. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and
unwavering devotion to duty in the face of near certain death, Chief Petty
Officer Byers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Gallagher,
C. (2013). Business Ethics Keynote Speaker - Chuck
Gallagher - shares
Straight
Talk about Ethics! Retrieved from
Weinstein,
B. (2012). Keynote Speech Excerpts from The Ethics
Guy
Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLxbHBpilJQ
Moral.
(n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moral
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