In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome explore the foundational role of ethics and morals in project management. They clarify definitions of ethics and morals, discussing how values underpin ethical behavior and leadership. Key attributes include responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty, with detailed implications for project managers. The conversation highlights trust, impartiality, equitable treatment, and transparency, underscoring how these values foster a motivated and successful team. The episode also reflects on the universal nature of ethical values across cultures and the long-term benefits of maintaining ethical conduct throughout the project lifecycle, guided by the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Main Take-Aways

Ethics and morals are the backbone of great leadership. This podcast begins the discussion:

• defining ethics and morals in project leadership to set the context
• role of values in shaping ethics
• cultural considerations
• group-level influence on individual actions
• core moral principles of leadership
• benefits of acting ethically and morally at all times

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Project Success Through Ethical and Moral Leadership

00:27 Introducing the topic of ethics and morals in project management with a definition of the terms and setting the context for this week’s episodes.

02:04 The role of values in shaping ethics.

03:13 Cultural considerations in ethics and ethical behaviors.

04:35 The influence of the larger group on your behavior as an individual.

05:45 Leadership and ethics in project management, and the core moral principles for to guide you throughout the lifecycle of a project:

07:56      … responsibility and accountability

08:52      … respect in leadership for the team and for yourself

09:42      … fairness and impartiality in leadership

11:03      … honesty and integrity in leadership

14:39 Benefits of acting ethically and morally in all aspects of managing your projects, including predictability of behavior, trust and credibility, enhanced reputation, and improved morale.

15:43 Considering application of ethics and morals when dealing with cross-cultural ethical standards and the varied upbringing of each team member.