I taught Ethics to Drexel U students who were just entering the business world a few years ago. According to their evaluation forms, their work lives were deeply impacted by class. However, ethics is a living, breathing, adaptive science that can’t be taught like Math so although we got a good start, they’ll need to revive the moral conversation for themselves – ongoingly until the end of their careers. I did some leadership coaching for the NetImpact conference at Wharton School where some of the world’s best and brightest, and most socially responsible graduate students gather. In both cases, it was really refreshing to see how committed the next generation is to raising the moral bar.

Ethical decision making is something we all refine as we face inevitable life situations that challenge our moral ground. What we can do best for people entering the work world is to teach them how to be in touch with, and how to develop, their internal moral compasses. It’s important to teach at orientation. But, especially now, it’s critical that we not relegate ethics to an orientation course.

Underneath the current economic crisis has been a moral crisis. As the next generation hits stride, we need to recognize that the individuals and organizations that keep the values conversation alive are the ones that thrive.

Ongoing leadership coaching and good training supports people as they move up the chain in negotiating the increasingly complicated ethical dilemmas they face. I currently do values development work with United Nations departmental leaders in NY and have an international coaching practice where I support successful leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs through countless moral considerations and other professional concerns.