August 2024
Background Note
HBS Case Collection

Your True Moral Compass

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:9

Abstract

This note explores the concept of a "moral compass" for making difficult decisions in leadership roles. It argues that the standard view of a moral compass as a simple, internal guide is inadequate for complex situations. Instead, it proposes that our true moral compass is our personal moral wisdom, which helps us answer four fundamental questions when facing hard choices: What really matters? What is my responsibility? What will work? And what can I live with as a person and professional? Ultimately, we learn what is right by deciding what is right. Our final, elusive moments of decision resemble black boxes. Because we don’t know what happens inside them, it becomes especially important to personally answer the four fundamental questions and shape what goes into the black boxes.