Companies are increasingly faced with the task of anchoring complex regulations, values and transparency requirements in their management and organisation - ethical guidelines provide a clear framework for this. These provide orientation for employees and managers, shed light on the scope for action and show how corporate responsibility is practised today[1]. Many decision-makers are looking for support not only to formulate ethical principles, but also to implement them effectively in practice. This is precisely where transruptions coaching comes in - as support in the development, introduction and implementation of sustainable ethical guidelines.
Why ethical guidelines are indispensable today
Ethical guidelines are not just a piece of paper, but a living corporate culture. They define guidelines for action, transparency and responsibility - and thus create trust among customers, partners, employees and the public[1]. Especially in the digital transformation and with the use of AI, it quickly becomes clear that without clear ethical guidelines, there is a risk of reputational risks, legal pitfalls and a lack of sustainability. The target group of decision-makers often report the following questions: How to implement? What needs to be considered? What mechanisms help to strengthen compliance and integrity in everyday life?
Example 1: In a medium-sized industrial company, a lack of rules for dealing with conflicts of interest caused massive friction between management and the supervisory board. Coaching helped to define clear processes and escalation paths on the basis of ethical guidelines.
Example 2: A listed company had to revise its ethics guidelines following information from a whistleblower platform, as these did not provide for transparent reporting channels or sufficient protection for whistleblowers. A process coach supported the introduction of an appreciative whistleblowing system based on ethical guidelines and trust.
Example 3: A digital agency introduced ethical standards for handling customer data after compliance gaps in digital marketing were uncovered. The coaching provided support in the development of practical guidelines for ethical guidelines - including training and regular reviews.
Ethics guidelines in practice: KIROI step 5 for decision-makers
In the transruptions coaching approach „KIROI“, the fifth step stands for the practical integration of ethical guidelines into everyday decision-making. Decision-makers learn how to incorporate values such as integrity, transparency and sustainability into their daily work - and how they can support teams in implementing them.
Impulses for the practical implementation of ethical guidelines:
Allow for uncertainties and open questions from the team. Discuss together which values are important to you and record them in your ethical guidelines.
Make it clear that ethical guidelines offer orientation rather than restrictions. In this way, they become the basis for self-confident decisions and sustainable development.
Regularly monitor how well ethical guidelines are working in everyday life. Give feedback to teams, take stock and embed improvements - this creates a genuine culture of integrity.
Binding mechanisms for sustainable ethical guidelines
Ethical guidelines are only credible if they are filled with life. This includes clear recommendations for action, training, internal communication and offences that are consistently addressed. Dealing transparently with mistakes strengthens trust in the company - and signals to customers and partners that values are not just on paper.
Example 1: In a service company, ethical guidelines were not only set out in writing, but also explained in a clear and practical manner in an internal podcast. Employees were given the opportunity to ask questions anonymously - and thus engage in an open dialogue about ethical challenges.
Example 2: A logistics company developed an anonymous evaluation system with which team members could assess how ethical guidelines were handled. The results served as the basis for targeted further training and management development.
Example 3: An international organisation introduced regular ethics days at which all employees discussed borderline cases and worked together to find solutions to ethical challenges in everyday working life. The coaching supported the moderation and follow-up of these meetings.
Ethics guidelines as a tool for change processes
Changes in a company require clear orientation - and ethical guidelines provide the compass. In transruptions coaching, the focus is therefore on the question of how managers can integrate ethical values into change processes and align decisions with them. Clients often report that working with ethical guidelines strengthens team spirit, motivation and innovation.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) The company introduced a digital ethics traffic light system that enables managers to systematically align decisions with the ethics guidelines. Particularly challenging cases were discussed in an ethics advisory board with equal representation from management, the works council and external coaches. This resulted in an unprecedented dialogue between different hierarchical levels, which strengthened trust in management in the long term. Acceptance of the ethics guidelines increased significantly and the company was able to position itself as a credible player on the market.
Example 2: In a healthcare company, ethical guidelines were used to clearly regulate the handling of sensitive patient data. The coaching accompanied the development of practical guidelines and trained managers in their application.
Example 3: A technology group used ethics guidelines as a filter for innovation projects in order to recognise ethical risks at an early stage and develop solutions. This strengthened collaboration between research, development and compliance.
The role of transruption coaching in the process
Transruption Coaching acts as a stimulating guide when it comes to the development, communication and implementation of ethical guidelines. Decision-makers benefit from practical impulses, methodological tools and concrete examples of how values can become effective in everyday life. Coaching supports teams in reflecting on ethical dilemmas, strengthens the personality of managers and ensures that ethical guidelines are anchored at all levels.
Example 1: In a family-owned company, coaching facilitated a values workshop in which the ethical guidelines were developed together with all managers. This significantly increased acceptance within the team.
Example 2: An international company relied on transruption coaching to harmonise global ethical guidelines with local values. The coaching provided support in identifying regional needs and developing a standardised yet flexible set of rules.
Example 3: In a start-up, coaching was used to establish and regularly reflect on the ethical guidelines in agile processes. This ensured that values were not lost even during rapid phases of change.
Specific tips for decision-makers on implementing ethical guidelines
- Regularly ask yourself how your ethical guidelines work on a day-to-day basis and whether all team members understand them.
- Learn from other companies' best practices, but always adapt ethics policies to your own culture.
- Focus on transparent communication, honest feedback and open discussions about ethical borderline cases.
- Train managers specifically so that they act as role models and proactively address uncertainties.
- Use change processes selectively to strengthen the acceptance of ethical guidelines and make improvements visible.
My analysis
Ethical guidelines are not an end in themselves, but the foundation for sustainable corporate success. They offer security, orientation and help to create trust among employees, customers and society[1]. The challenge lies in taking ethical guidelines out of the wastepaper basket and living them in everyday life - as a company management, as a team, as an individual. Transruption coaching actively supports this process by providing impetus, facilitating dialogue and promoting change. Those who recognise ethical guidelines as part of their management responsibility lay the foundations for a culture of integrity, innovation and sustainability.
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Artificial intelligence here.
Further links from the text above:
Definition and importance of ethical guidelines[1]
Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon: An overview of ethical guidelines
Ethical standards in digital marketing
Deutsch 
English (UK)