Scenario: Telling It Like It Is

Group Size: 4-15

Scenario

You’ve been recently posted to an Army Base. You enjoy your job and get along with your colleagues, but you are concerned because the Commanding Officer (CO) is often out of line when making formal addresses. At the last parade, where the public and media were present, she delivered a personal view regarding new government policy and the responsibilities of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The speech leaves you perplexed, and you find it difficult to resolve your own stance on these issues. The response from the audience ranges from support for her candor to total opposition. After reflection, you seem more inclined to agree with the CO’s views, but you do not support the platform that she chose to express them through.

The next day, you read a controversial reaction from the editor of the local paper. Moreover, your colleagues are asking questions and want your opinion on the CO’s speech.

Categories

• Principles: Serve Canada before Self, Obey and Support Lawful Authority
• Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Excellence, Courage
• Cultural themes: Service, Leadership
• Misconduct types: General Misconduct
• GBA Plus themes: Not Specific
• Audience: Canadian Armed Forces

Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the ethical principles to “Serve Canada before Self” and “Obey and Support Lawful Authority”.
• Discuss the ethical values of loyalty, excellence, courage, and integrity in the workplace.

Facilitation Questions

1. What would you do in this situation? What are the considerations?
   • Allow open discussion from the group.
   • Ethical concerns: You agree with the message, but not with the way that it was said, and the platform chosen. This is the CO’s opinion; however, you are preoccupied with the ramification that it might generate.
   • Personal factors: If you question the CO’s opinion, your actions may be perceived as lacking loyalty, respect, and integrity. Since you are new on the Base, you might be labelled as a “troublemaker” who likes to challenge authority.
   • Environmental factors: The CO is the embodiment of CAF values and everyone. As such, people take her comments seriously. Consequently, it could have a significant ramification.
2. What is the ethical dilemma in this situation?
   • The right choice of action is not clear. Although you agree with the CO’s opinion, you disagree with the platform chosen to voice her decision.
   • You must remain professional in your loyalty to the CO by respecting her opinion without tarnishing your personal integrity. While you want to provide an honest response (to really say what you think) that satisfies you as a person, you must maintain your professional integrity vis-à-vis your staff.
3. What are some potential courses of action that could be taken in this scenario?
   • Option 1: Consult with your colleagues. Sharing your concerns might help in dealing with the situation. At the same time, your colleagues might think that you are making a big deal out of nothing.
   • Option 2: Bring your concerns to your superior. In return, he could bring them up to the Comdt. You must be ready to be called into the CO’s office to explain your position.