Category Archives: Ethical Dilemmas

“Tie your flag onto your belt.” Advice from a flag football coach to his young charges.

That strategy does cut down on the other team’s ability to pull that flag off. What does the young player tell the coach? Perhaps, more relevantly, what does the parent of the young player tell the coach? Especially if the … Continue reading

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“Get Yourself Fired — You’ll Make More Money!”

The Barometer was strolling through the home section of a major department store.  Tempted by  Christmas potholders at 50% off, the Barometer stopped and soon planted feet firm to continue listening as three employees of this fine establishment conversed about their futures.  … Continue reading

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Returning Slightly Used Shoes

Even the well seasoned Dillard’s manager was taken aback by this one. A customer brought in a pair of moderately expensive dress shoes, expressing a desire to return them because they just weren’t quite right. As the manager processed the … Continue reading

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Stunning Contrasts – What We Miss When We Don’t Help

In a seminar the Barometer was conducting, a participant indicated that he was carrying the guilt from something he had done last year. On his way to an important meeting, he saw a woman with four small children along the … Continue reading

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Levi’s 501 Jeans, Currency, and Customs

The Barometer was in a long and slow-moving line at the U.S. Post Office. A very pleasant woman in line, who was attempting to return items her guests from Norway had left at her home, struck up a conversation. How … Continue reading

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“Why Don’t You Just Use This Receipt?”

The Barometer needs to stay away from gas stations. The portrait of America painted there is worrisome. Once again, the task of filling up a rental car was at hand. Gas pump #8 had a receipt dangling from the previous … Continue reading

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In the “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” and “Voids in Math Word Problem Training” Departments

The Barometer stopped to fill up the tank for a rental car. Return a rental car with less than a full tank and one child’s college fund will need to be depleted. At the point of the fill-up, the odometer … Continue reading

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The Tell-Tale Tote Bag

Hannah’s mother wanted the Elizabeth Arden perfume set for Christmas, and the big red tote bag that came with it  — FREE!  Hannah schlepped to the mall, an experience she detested.  At the Elizabeth Arden counter she asked for the … Continue reading

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If They Can’t Think of an Ethical Dilemma . . .

Here’s an interview question that provides a window into the soul:  Describe an ethical dilemma that you have faced (in your life, your last job) and explain how you resolved it.  If your interviewee struggles to come up with one, … Continue reading

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The Rude Air Travelers, But I Repeat Myself

The two men from Houston whisked by me as I waited for the TSA agent to use her highlighter and give me entrance to the innards of the Atlanta airport.  They had the attitude of those who travel sockless in … Continue reading

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The Dent in the Door

If you put a dent in the door of the car next to you but no one saw you do so, would you leave a note for the owner of the other car? The Barometer’s students often respond, ‘What do … Continue reading

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The Rebuilt Car and the Accident

He was a young car-hop at the time.  The 17-year-old witnessed a salesman at the car dealership sell a woman a “new car.”  But the young employee knew that the car was not new; it had an engine that had … Continue reading

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The bank officer who found the perfect place for a party

The owners had walked away.  Facing a mortgage in excess of their home’s value, they just left and the bank was stuck with the home.  The bank was paying for its upkeep.  The economy being what it is, the bank … Continue reading

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Planting Shills and Off-Label Remarks

Doctors who speak at continuing medical education (CME) conferences always sign agreements promising pharmaceutical firms that they will speak to only the approved uses for that company’s drug.  Pharmas earn deep FDA trouble for marketing off-label uses. However, one doctor explained that he signs the agreement, but … Continue reading

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