There are many reasons why people become disenchanted with their work. While a desire for increased compensation or more challenge can prompt regular visits to the classifieds, it rarely has the impact of an ethical or values-related conflict.
While there is little empirical information on the actual effects of ethical conflicts in the workplace on job performance, at a minimum, a person will be distracted from the job at hand. At the other end of the spectrum, a person may experience physical symptoms such as regular headaches or gastrointestinal problems as they become more and more aware of the issue with which they are at odds.
Since ethical or values conflicts vary greatly in scope and content, I'll keep this blog focused on strategy rather than on specific examples. Over the years, I've met with dozens of people who experienced values-related dilemmas and they were often at a loss as to what to do about it short of resigning.
Ignoring it is not effective or sustainable. Once a conflict has your attention, there is no turning your back on it or sweeping it under the proverbial rug, as much as you might like to faun ignorance, it's too late for that.
So, what do you do instead of retreating from your situation? First, clarify the issue. Write down your thoughts to help you understand your circumstance and your feelings about it. You might begin by writing responses to the following questions:
What is the ethical conflict I have observed or experienced?
What is so troublesome about this for me?
How is this conflict affecting me physically and emotionally?
Where in my body do I especially feel this conflict? (e.g. tightness in my shoulders, knot in my stomach
)
What is my part in this conflict? How have I contributed to my own feelings and situation?
What might alleviate this feeling? (Allow yourself to go inward to find your response to this one.)
What additional information do I need to help me understand the whole of this conflict?
With whom might I speak about this who could be objective? (It might be best to consider someone outside your workplace.)
What are my options for dealing with this conflict? (Try to come up with several even if they seem difficult.)
What are two steps I might take to move forward?
Recognizing how a conflict is impacting you as well as identifying your options can shift your perception of it. You may find that paradoxically, if you face right into the conflict, you will avoid the ineffective and unnecessary struggle that comes from ignoring it.
Thank you for acknowledging the importance of value compatibility and the problems a values difference can cause at a worksite.
After working with a government agency from away for over 3 years that was a poor fit for me, I felt strongly led to leave and move to Maine and search for work that would be a right fit. I was also able to leave a home situation that was not productive nor joyful.
After a heart search I was able to locate work that would ensure that my values would be respected and upheld, as well as supply me with hard earned compensation and co workers and management with higher standards.
Since I am a believer, it was a pleasant surprise to find that those in leadership and management are also believers and committed to being ethical and doing work in the best interest of the client.
Thank you for your thorough and kind advice.
Posted by Lupe
Lupe,
It sounds as though you've made very positive choices for yourself once you decided to leave your home and work situations. Your courage and determination paid off!
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