What do you do if your consulting client's interests conflict with your professional integrity?

When consulting interests conflict with professional integrity, prioritize ethics and uphold high standards of conduct. Steps include evaluating the conflict, seeking guidance from colleagues, communicating openly, reviewing ethics policies, prioritizing integrity, seeking alternative solutions, reflecting and learning. By addressing conflicts proactively, you can uphold ethical standards, maintain credibility, and prioritize ethics in consulting practice for building trust with clients and colleagues.

My up bringing was in Pittsburgh, Pa. I learned to speak directly to others or not at all. For me , those who choose indirect communication are wimps. As my mom would always say, deal with it kid. That may seem crass to some, and not gentle enough, and to those folks I say, deal with it. In my experience I have found dealing with it, is most helpful. Currently I work in more of a supportive role in a clients health caring as an end of life caring Doula. The moments and conversations are challenging, at times. Yet to help an individual with their strategy to exit this world, and move into the next phase of their spirit/soul, one just has to “deal with it”!

Keeping true to yourself and your own personal values is of the utmost importance. Integrity is in my opinion a core value defining you as a person. So when a client’s requirements or behavior is in conflict with one of your core values, be transparent and open up a conversation. Make clear what your values are, and try to resolve this with the client but be aware not to diminish or throw away your core values. If the conflict cannot be resolved don’t be afraid to cancel your assignment, at the end of the day your personal values are the most precious property of your core being. Working in a misaligned assignment will cost you a lot of energy, energy better spend where you can stay true to your core values.

Consulting firms, generally have a very high bar for ethics. Chances are that if your clients interests are conflicting with your professional integrity, they would inevitably (if not already), clash with your own firm's interests as well. So, consult your peers and seniors (this is also where you might have to involve internal teams that are specifically tasked to handle these situations).

When client interests clash with professional integrity, transparency is key. Address conflicts by disclosing them to the client and seeking a resolution that upholds ethical standards. For example, if a client's request compromises quality or ethical norms, explain the implications and suggest alternatives that align with professional guidelines. In cases like Enron, where consulting integrity was questioned, the industry learned the importance of steadfast ethical practices. Always prioritize integrity to maintain trust and credibility in the long term.