apply the major learnings presented in the book, Defining Moments, by Joesph L. Badarraco, Jr., using the outline and instructions posted to Blackboard (under “Assignments”). Assessment will be based on the ability to integrate the major points in the book with various course materials and personal experience. Papers shall be six to seven pages in length and submitted in proper APA format.

Additional guidance:

This paper will reflect your comprehension of the book, Defining Moments. This paper is both personal and research based, so feel free to write in the first person (“I”). This paper should be approximately 6 – 7 pages long and submitted in proper APA format (including a reference list). Because this paper reflects your comprehension of the book, it is important that you include quotes from the book to support what you are writing. Including quotes from other scholars whose materials we have used in class and other assignments will also make this a richer paper. Please use the following questions to apply the course material to your own ethical leadership development.

1. What are the influences that have shaped your ethical values?

2. How do your personal influences and your defining moments impact your decision making in the workplace? Remember, Badaracco (1997) states that defining moments have three elements: revealing, testing, shaping (57).

3. Think of a recent right vs. right conflict in your organization or in your life and use Badaracco’s four questions as a framework to assess the possible solution(s) and course of action:

a. Which course of action will do the most good and the least harm? (Clearly a nod to consequentialism)
b. Which alternative best serves others’ rights, including shareholders’ rights? (The concept of rights dates back to Thomas Jefferson and is also a consideration of duty)
c. What plan can I live with, which is consistent with basic values and commitments? (“What course of action can I live with?” The discussion of values connects to the work of Aristotle)
d. Which course of action is feasible in the world as it is? (Clearly pragmatic and very clearly tied to Machiavelli)

Badaracco cautions that these four questions must be used together because they balance and correct each other. Relying on any one question can promote managerial opportunism or self-interested judgments.