Reconciling Feelings with Professionalism and Ethics
Professionalism is defined as a set of values, behaviors, and standards that are expected to be followed in one's career or field of work. It encompasses qualities such as punctuality, respect, responsibility, and honesty. Ethics, on the other hand, refer to moral principles that guide an individual's actions and decision-making. These principles often involve making choices between right and wrong and can be influenced by personal beliefs and experiences. Individuals may face situations where their feelings challenge these values and principles, which can create tension and conflict within themselves. In this article, I will explore how individuals can reconcile these challenging feelings and maintain professionalism and ethics.
Individuals may experience emotions that contradict their professional values when they find themselves attracted to someone who is unavailable or unsuitable for them due to their position in the organization.
If a manager has a sexual attraction towards a subordinate, they must manage their feelings and act professionally in order to uphold the company's policies against romantic relationships between supervisors and employees. This can be difficult as it requires self-control and discipline to resist acting on impulses, but it is necessary for maintaining a healthy working environment.
Another scenario is when an individual feels pressured to do something unethical, like accepting bribes or manipulating data for financial gain. In these cases, individuals may have to weigh the potential consequences of their actions against their own morals and decide whether to take action or not. They might also seek guidance from trusted colleagues or mentors for support and advice.
Some individuals may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame over decisions they make that go against their values or expectations.
If someone chooses to leave their job unexpectedly, they may feel guilty about leaving their team members or coworkers in a lurch.
They need to remember that their decision was based on personal circumstances and that they made the best choice for themselves at the time.
Reconciling feelings with professionalism and ethics can be challenging, but individuals can do so by managing their impulses, seeking support, and recognizing their choices are based on unique situations. By doing so, they can remain true to their values while navigating complex workplace dynamics.
How do individuals reconcile feelings that challenge their beliefs about professionalism or ethics?
Individuals may struggle with feelings that challenge their beliefs about professionalism or ethics because they are often taught to prioritize these values from an early age. They may feel conflicted when faced with difficult decisions that require them to choose between their personal morals and what is expected of them professionally. This can lead to cognitive dissonance, which can cause stress and anxiety.