Moral and ethics. Are they synonyms? Let's look at the verb-tense of morally versus ethically. Would you say they are the same thing? Your answer should be "yes."

If you looked up the definitions, both moral and ethics would refer to: Being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct of a profession or Arising from conscience or the sense of right and wrong.

If you looked up the word moral or morality in a thesaurus, you would find ethical as a synonym. Visa versa with the word ethical. So, is there really a difference? You are probably saying to yourself "No."

In the world of corporate life, they could be the same or vastly different. (I know this will drive some English majors' nuts. Allow me a little license and bear with me.) Keeping both definitions in mind, allow me to apply the two words to represent something different. I have found by applying these two words (with similar meaning) differently, I've been able to determine my actions on a project. I have found by applying these two words differently, I've figured out when to stay on a project or to find a smooth exit before I'm forced to leave. By applying these words differently, I continually clarify my role with my beliefs. By using these two words differently, I am able to analyze and initiate my next steps.

Now, wouldn't that be nice to know for yourself?

Morally refers to your belief on what is best for the company. Technicians usually view this as what is the best solution for the project. Your solution is based on what you feel is important and what you feel is right. It is a very subjective view of the problem.

Ethically refers to what you are paid for. You are ethically-bound to follow the orders of the chain of command...even if you disagree with them. Your manager's belief on what is best for the company may be totally different than what you believe is the right thing to do. They may present a different solution based on what they feel or what they are being told to do. Remember, you are paid to do what you are told.

In 95% of the projects, moral and ethical approaches conflict and create a dilemma for most technicians. The moral road represents decisions you make that you believe are "best" for the project. The ethical road relates to doing what you are paid to do...following the direction of your manager and company. The times these agree 100% are only 5% of all projects. On the other side, 5% of the project is clearly unethical and immoral (asking you to do something unlawful). That leaves about 90% of projects with varying levels of gray (grayer as you move towards what your manager or company dictates). How much gray you can tolerate will vary by project, company, the economy, as well as your personal situation.

For example, a single parent with two kids in Ivy-league schools during a recession will be much more tolerant than a single person with no debt or financial responsibilities during a bull market. (Keep that in mind when you are wondering how someone can allow to continue what you feel is the wrong direction. Don't judge someone for what they might have to accept to survive.)

As a reminder...the moral road means to make decisions based upon what is best for the project, thinking that will help the company strive to new heights. Ethics relates to doing what you are paid to do...follow the direction of your manager and company.

Technicians tend to weigh moral decisions above ethical decisions. It is a black/white thinking that forgets that reality is really gray. Being critical (to find potential flaws in designs, programs and strategy) is so ingrained that seeing reality is difficult. Reality is the combination of making decisions based upon morals and ethics.

This continued internal battle creates stress for the technician. Being 100% ethical, makes you a "yes man" or "empty suit." Being 100% morally right, makes you "closed-minded" or not a "team player." You may see how another approach (as directed by a manager) can lead to a train wreck. You know that your way will help the company grow but are stopped at every opportunity. You need to remember that you are paid to do what your manager tells you to do…even if it means allowing the train wreck to occur. If you are unable to "sell" your approach, then start protecting yourself.

To protect yourself, document and timestamp your views at the time you decide to follow more towards the ethical approach. Keep it for yourself as a 'get out of jail' free card. It will help remind you of the train wreck so you can identify some countermeasures. Initiating countermeasures will help save the face of your manager, help save the project, thus making you more valuable to the company. It will strengthen your negotiating skills to convince others to initiate each countermeasure.

Throwing your opinions in the face of your manager (or worse yet, your business community) will get you thrown under the train as it approaches. No one likes to hear, "I told you so!" (That goes for refusing to help or refusing to become a team player. Then you are an obstacle that needs to be blown up!)

Remember that the moral/ethic conflict is within yourself. You need to decide your compromise point on 90% of the projects. Is the manager's approach going to get a "good enough" solution? Sure, it's not the best but if you can accept a lesser success rate in your mind...live with it. If the solution really will hurt the project or company and you can't live with that, start looking for another opportunity. Fighting against the ethics for the morally-right solution will get you laid-off or fired. It is better for you to find a smooth transition to the next opportunity (no burned bridges).

Apply the two words, morally/ethically, to your current situation. Understand and accept the reality that most projects fall in the gray area. This will allow you the opportunity to continually evaluate the gray area. Continual evaluation between the application of moral and ethical approaches will help you find avenues to negotiate and persuade. It will help you live in reality 90% of the time. Accept that ethical decisions are part of any final decision as to how you handle the job and your career.

How much gray can you tolerate?

SBDi speaks both Business and IT languages. Bring SBDi in to help communication between both organizations. Let us help you find the right flexible solution that will help business increase revenue.

Pat Ferdinandi, Chief Thought Translator