Making a tough decision

When you recognise an issue or dilemma…

Be vigilant and recognise ethical issues - situations where our Values are challenged or are at risk of compromise, where there is not a clear 'right' or 'wrong' answer or where you find a decision difficult or you are hesitant to act.

Get the facts, ask yourself:

• Are you clear on what precisely needs to be decided?

• What are the relevant facts?

• Do you have all the information you need?

• Do you understand the risks involved?

Talk to others, ask yourself:

• Who is involved? What is their perspective? What are their interests?

• Have you consulted those with a stake in the outcome?

• How and why should interests, needs and wants be prioritised?

• Who needs to support your decision?

Consider your options, ask yourself:

• Map out your options. What are the options available to you?

• Are there areas for negotiations?

• Are any factors influencing your decision?

Rules, ask yourself:

• Legal test - is it legal?

• Compliance test - does it comply with Company policy?

Values, ask yourself:

• Values test - does the decision live our Values?

• Trust - Are we acting ethically/responsibly/consistently?

• Care - Have we listened? Have we considered everyone? Will it make a positive difference?

• Innovation - Have we done our best? Have we tried new ideas?

• Pride - Will we stand by this decision? Are we clear about the risks? Can we be proud that we did the right thing?

Personal, ask yourself:

• Family test - would you be proud to tell your family?

• Public test - will it positively improve our reputation if it was public knowledge or tomorrow's headlines?

• Gut feel test - does it feel the right thing to do?

• What is your decision and do you fully understand why?

• If you are comfortable with your decision, will you stand by it?

With confidence and transparency:

Communicate your decision and rationale for it.

Record your actions:

• Who was involved?

• Why was the decision taken selected?

• What were the consequences envisaged at the time the decision was made?

Its delivery and monitor its impact:

Seek feedback on the impact of your decision.

Ask youself:

• Has it addressed the issue?

• Has it had the expected results?