Giving Voice to Values (Book Review)

How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What's Right Paperback – February 28, 2012 by Mary C. Gentile

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"Giving Voice to Values" by Mary C. Gentile is an innovative guide that focuses on how to act on your values effectively in the workplace, rather than deciding what the right thing is. The book shifts the conversation from ethical analysis to ethical action, providing readers with the tools to speak their minds in situations where their values are compromised.

Gentile, who has extensive experience in business education, introduces a refreshing approach to ethics, one that assumes individuals already want to act ethically. The core of the book revolves around a curriculum Gentile developed, which is designed to help people prepare for and respond to ethical challenges effectively and confidently. This curriculum has been used globally across businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations.

The central premise of "Giving Voice to Values" is that most ethical dilemmas in the workplace are not about distinguishing right from wrong. Instead, they involve the common knowledge of what is right but are challenging due to the pressures and complexities of organizational life. Gentile argues that once we know our values, we must learn how to express them in a way that leads to effective and pragmatic outcomes.

The book is structured around several key techniques and strategies to help individuals "pre-script" their responses to potential challenges, allowing them to build a repertoire of responses when their values are tested. These strategies include:

• Understanding the common rationalizations people use to justify unethical behavior and preparing counterarguments in advance.

• Identifying the enablers within organizations that can help support and legitimize the expression of values.

• Practicing responses in a safe environment before confronting ethical dilemmas in real life.

Gentile enriches her discussion with numerous examples and case studies from a wide range of organizations, demonstrating how individuals at all levels can effectively voice and act on their values. She emphasizes that courage in ethical situations is more about skill, practice, and strategy than raw bravery.

Moreover, Gentile discusses how organizational cultures can either suppress or support the expression of values. She provides insights into how leaders and managers can create environments that not only allow but encourage employees to speak up about their values.

In essence, "Giving Voice to Values" is not just about advocating ethical principles but is a practical guide to making integrity a palpable part of daily decisions in the professional world. The book encourages a proactive stance on ethics, empowering readers to align their professional path with their deepest convictions.

The image inspired by "Giving Voice to Values" by Mary C. Gentile. It depicts a professional setting where a diverse group of individuals are engaged in a discussion around a conference table, each confidently expressing their point of view. The atmosphere is supportive and inclusive, emphasizing the empowerment to speak up for one's values. Visual cues such as open notebooks with ethical precepts and supportive colleagues highlight the preparation and support strategies for handling ethical dilemmas in the workplace.

Interested in the book? Buy on Amazon