No matter their place on the organizational chart, they are able to serve as trusted advisors in ethical situations. Leading the ethical life is always a journey and never a destination. Embrace the leadership role. Those who serve in leadership roles will also want to remember that an organization's ethical tone is heavily influenced by the conduct of its leaders. By word and deed, managers teach ethics within their institutions and organizations every day.
Ethics is a participatory activity.
Staff members in departments and divisions should regularly set aside time to explore and discuss ethical dilemmas. Case studies on ethical issues in nonprofit settings abound and are useful and nonthreatening tools for conducting conversations on ethics. For example, the University of San Francisco's Institute for Nonprofit Organization Management will provide a book of 40 case studies for a modest fee. Each one will provide more than enough discussion for any staff meeting or retreat. Similar resources are available through university centers or nonprofit institutions, professional organizations, and a variety of websites devoted to ethical issues.