Steve Lewis

In the article titled The Discipline of building character by Joseph Badaracco the three main “defining moments” faced by the three managers are inherently tough choices to make. The decision Steve Lewis faced was whether or not to attend an out of town presentation. He later found out that the only reason he asked to attend the presentation was his ethnic background. He decided to attend the presentation but did so own his own terms or in a way that was acceptable to him. He wanted to have a more active role in the presentation and not just be “token” presence. I believe his decision would pass Hooker’s generalization test in that I think anyone in his situation would take the opportunity to attend the presentation in hopes of gaining a better standing in the company by getting face time with more senior personnel. However, I am not sure everyone would opt to take an active role in the presentation like Lewis did. …show more content…
The company got what they wanted by having an African American at the presentation and Lewis was able to settle his internal battle in a way that was acceptable to him. Lewis’s choice to attend the presentation and take an active role passes the utilitarian test because no other available action would create greater utility. For example, if he was to just attend the presentation and not speak. He may not have impressed his business associates and he would have some internal conflict with his ethnic background. Lewis’s decision passes the virtue ethics test as well. He did not compromise who he was by going to the presentation. He was able to overcome his internal struggle with the decision by staying true to who he believed himself to