Business Briefing: The Discipline of Building Character

Keywords: Leadership, Ethics, Decision Making, Character, Values, Management
Source: Harvard Business Review
Link: Read the full article on HBR.org
Author: Joseph L. Badaracco, Jr.
Published: March 1998
Est. Read time (Original): ~30 minutes

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The Core Idea

Joseph L. Badaracco, Jr. argues that true leadership is forged not in making easy ethical choices between right and wrong, but in navigating "defining moments", complex situations that pit two deeply held values against each other in a conflict of right versus right. He contends that these moments "form, reveal, and test" a manager's character. The key to navigating them is not a universal ethical rulebook, but a disciplined process of self-inquiry. This process involves examining conflicting feelings, understanding the roots of one's core values, and then translating that personal introspection into shrewd, pragmatic, and politically astute action.

Why It Matters for Business Today

In an era of intense scrutiny on corporate behavior, this article provides a crucial framework for moving beyond simplistic compliance to a deeper understanding of leadership ethics.

• Distinguishes Real-World Dilemmas from Simple Ethics: The core distinction between a right-vs-wrong "ethical decision" and a right-vs-right "defining moment" is a powerful tool. It gives leaders the language to acknowledge the true complexity of their toughest choices, where any path forward requires sacrificing a valid and important principle.

• A Practical Guide to Introspection: The article provides a set of practical, down-to-earth questions that transform abstract introspection into a concrete process. By asking "Who am I?", "Who are we?", and "Who is the company?", leaders can frame their dilemmas at the individual, group, and societal level, leading to more considered and comprehensive decisions.

• Connects Idealism with Realism: Badaracco’s framework powerfully combines Machiavelli with Aristotle. It argues that a strong moral compass is necessary but insufficient. To be effective, a leader must couple their personal understanding of what is right with the shrewdness, political savvy, and tenacity required to make their vision a reality in a messy, competitive world.

The Strategic Question for Leaders

The article argues that a leader's character is forged in "defining moments" where they must choose between two conflicting "rights." Can you identify a recent professional defining moment you faced, and what process of self-inquiry did you use to translate your personal values into a shrewd and calculated course of action?

Share your perspective in the comments below.

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