50 Activities for Promoting Ethics within the Organization

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A Final Note

It would be remiss of us not to mention the ethical obligations you have as a

trainer, especially a trainer of business ethics. At the risk of offending veteran

trainers, but as an important checklist for new trainers, we include here a list of

responsibilities/recommendations that bespeak both professionalism and an ethical

commitment to the profession. (Ideally, most of the following behaviors are

already part of your professional persona.)

✓

I know this subject well enough to be considered something of an expert

in it.

✓

I get to the room at least half an hour early to set it up and to greet early

arrivals.

✓

I do all I can to make participants feel welcome, including the placement

of a welcome sign on the door or the writing of the word on the flipchart.

✓

I begin with an introduction of the course and its purpose, of myself and

my credentials for teaching the course, and then with introductions of the

participants themselves.

✓

I present an overview or agenda of what the course entails.

✓

I make a sincere effort to remember names of the participants.

✓

I periodically review the material or provide summaries.

✓

I consciously avoid sarcasm, vulgarity, inappropriate humor, and

references that may be offensive.

✓

I anticipate questions that will arise and prepare responses to them.

✓

I employ anecdotes to illustrate points.

✓

I assure participants they will never be made to feel uncomfortable.

✓

I never lecture for more than 15 minutes at a stretch.

✓

I incorporate humor into the presentation.

✓

I include relevant news events and statistics in my presentation.

✓

I am physical with knowledge—i.e., make dramatic gestures from time to

time.

✓

I provide a change of pace on a regular basis.

✓

I consciously think about ways to make the presentations interactive.

✓

I encourage participants to meet and work with others in the room.

✓

I invite feedback about the presentation.

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✓

I strive to relate the material to participants’ jobs and missions.

✓

I attempt to learn as much as I can about participants and their

organizations.

✓

I schedule breaks as needed.

✓

I ensure the screen and flipchart can be seen by every participant.

✓

I keep abreast of developments in the field.

✓

I revise my materials on a continual basis.

✓

I provide professional-looking handouts and references.

✓

I employ a wide variety of methodologies.

✓

I invite questions and feedback on my presentation.

✓

I invite (but put limits on) the telling of “war stories.”

✓

I make myself available to participants.

✓

I provide ways for participants to be continuous learners.

✓

I design effective closure.