Virtue

What Is Virtue? The moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently do what is right.

Virtue Where You Live Those that you associate with will have a long-term effect on the “moral excellence” characterizing your life.

Virtue It All Adds Up Virtue is the big picture of one’s life, developing as each successive choice adds another brush stroke.

Virtue Get Involved Virtue requires outward application of moral conviction. Avoid passively watching unethical activity.

Virtue Be an Illuminator Just as a small flame can cast light across a large area, one person’s daily decisions can affect many others for good or bad.

Virtue “The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Virtue for Developing Virtue

Virtue 1 Do the Right Thing Uphold what is right, regardless of circumstances. This is the essence of freedom.

Virtue 1 Do the Right Thing Do not allow familiarity or opposing opinion to erode your sense of what is right. Ask yourself, “What is my responsibility in this situation?”

Virtue Set the Example Model moral leadership on and off the job. 2

Virtue Set the Example Examine yourself for consistency with what you know is right. Avoid making choices that could weaken another’s moral resolve. 2

Virtue Be Consistent Measure every word, attitude, and action by the standard of good character. 3

Virtue Be Consistent Recognize your shortcomings. Define what it means to do what is right in each situation you face. Openly take responsibility for mistakes. 3

Virtue Choose Associations Wisely Seek relationships that will reinforce your integrity. 4

Virtue Choose Associations Wisely Seek people who challenge you to moral excellence. Examine the moral implications of the ideas in books and entertainment. 4

Virtue Urge Others to Do Right Motivate others through your constant example and persistent encouragement. 5

Virtue Urge Others to Do Right Care for others instead of adopting an exclusive attitude. Require of others only what you exemplify yourself. Consider how others have motivated you. 5

Virtue

1.How have you responded when faced with pressure to do something wrong when “everybody else was doing it”? 2.How can you precisely apply moral principles to everyday situations and set a consistent example? 3.How do you stay focused on what is right amid changing circumstances? 4.What ideas, attitudes, or mindsets could keep you from maintaining your integrity? 5.How do you help others demonstrate good character?

Virtue Discussion Starters: 1.How does personal integrity—or the lack of it— affect your organization? How does it affect your industry? 2.Think of those who influenced your life. What did you learn from them? 3.When have you made decisions based on the fear of punishment or the pursuit of virtue? 4.What qualities would you look for if you were hiring someone for your position? 5.What questions could you ask in order to discern an applicant’s truthfulness, orderliness, or dependability?

Virtue 6. Why is it important to know the reasons behind rules or standards? 7. Who can help you when you face a difficult situation at work or at home? 8. How should you respond if you make a bad decision? 9. What habits help you build good relationships?