Ethics is what one ought to do–the kind of behaviors that would make the world a better place, especially if everyone engaged in them. The key question is: how does the conscientious public servant sort through competing considerations and determine “the right thing to do?” When it comes serving the public, how does one put one’s values into practice?

To determine what one ought to do, go to the root of the matter and think in terms of values. Research by the Institute for Global Ethics identifies ethical values that transcend virtually all cultures and religions. 

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”–Warren Buffett