Join hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome as they explore the critical role of ethics in project management. This episode delves into the significance of company rules, leading by example, and fostering open communication. Key discussions focus on handling conflicts of interest, maintaining ethical behavior amid challenges like quality versus schedule, ensuring confidentiality, and balancing stakeholder interests. Listeners will gain practical tips for incorporating ethics into continuous improvement processes and building a strong ethical culture from the outset of a project.

Main Take-Aways

Strategies for the development and implementation of a strong sense of ethics and morals on your projects:

• follow organizational norms
• demonstrate ethical behavior (be visible)
• adhere to project agreements
• communicate clearly and openly
• foster a speak-up culture
• offer critique effectively and positively
• balance individual and group ethics
• handle ethical dilemmas when pressured to compromise
• develop strong documentation and training to create an ethical project environment
• use lessons learned to review ethical behavior
• seek feedback regarding ethical behavior

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Fostering Ethics and Morals on Your Projects

00:29 Focusing on strategies for employing ethics and morals in project management.

01:08 Following organizational norms, culture, and politics are indications that you are engaging responsibly with your value system and ethics.

02:07 Demonstrating ethical behavior, trustworthiness, and mutual respect in your conduct as an example to those you lead. Leading by example.

03:22 Responsibility, accountability, adherence to project agreements are indicators of ethical behavior on the project.

03:43 The importance of clear communication, openness, and consistency with action.

04:53 Fostering a speak-up culture shows a willingness to lead ethically.

06:57 The ability to offer critique in a positive manner when you observe areas for improvement shows ethical leadership.

07:18 Balancing individual and group ethics, maintaining respect for self and for the group. Maintaining confidentiality.

09:17 Handling ethical dilemmas in projects under pressure to compromise (e.g., quality vs. schedule, balancing competing priorities, etc.).

11:35 Dealing with conflict-of-interest issues on projects. Adhering to laws and regulations. Being sensitive to social responsibility.

14:08 Building an ethical culture in projects to include: predictability, consistency, actions aligning with words, accountability.

15:59 Using project documentation (e.g., project charter, team charter) to keep a record of expected ethical conduct on the project. Training team members in what is expected of them ethically and morally.

17:15 Using lessons learned to review how well you and your team performed against the ethical guidelines set out at the beginning of the project.

19:06 Seeking feedback from your team and stakeholders regarding your adherence to ethical standards and for continuous improvement.