Why Your Moral Compass is a State-of-the-Art Tool

We all have a built-in moral compass, but when it comes to business, 'doing the right thing' is not always as celebrated as it should be. Too few people are guided by theirs, but your moral compass is a state-of-the-art tool. Using it at work helps you forge meaningful relationships, support the wider business community and enhance your career prospects.

Using your moral compass can help you make sensible, more thought-through judgments. It forces you to think about the consequences of your actions, for others as well as yourself. You're less likely to make rushed decisions if you slow down and listen to what your compass is telling you.

It can also help you set a good example to others, turn you into a role model they want to follow. Good leaders think about the greater good over what they can get out of a situation on an individual basis, and that means being guided by the idea that they should do the right thing to benefit the greatest number of people.

In a similar vein, your moral compass assists in building healthy relationships. When people can see you're not simply 'out for yourself' or a potential backstabber, they are more likely to develop respect, trust and admiration for you. No relationship can work without them, and doing the right thing by others is the fastest way to build that rapport.

By taking direction from that internal moral compass, you succeed in making everyone a winner. Likeability is so under-appreciated in the business world, but act with principles and you become well-liked and improve your career prospects.