Check your moral compass

In the fantasy world of "Dungeons & Dragons", a character's actions are often defined by their moral compass - a system that categorizes ethical and moral perspectives. As Managers or Agile Coaches, understanding where you and your teams stand on this moral compass can offer valuable insights into team dynamics and individual behaviors, both why you behave the way you do - and what you may need to change about your beliefs and values in order to gain different moral outcomes.

The Moral Compass

The "Moral Compass" has two axes which combine to form nine possible alignments. This quiz is designed to help you discover your alignment within the context of a product development team. Understanding your alignment offers insights into your natural tendencies, decision-making style, and how you might interact with your team.

Before digging in, please realize that the Moral Compass does not pass any judgment on you - much rather, it helps you determine whether there's a gap between where you are and where you want to be.

There is no "right" or "wrong" alignment. The one you get represents you - and it's up to you to determine whether you are happy with that. In the past, I have made >my own considerations and was rather shocked - then happy - where I stood.

Try to answer the questions sincerely, and see where you land. You need to answer all 8 questions to see the result. (we do not store any data - it's 100% safe!)

The Moral Compass Quiz

A team member working on an urgent, critical task is struggling and may fail to deliver on time. What do you do?

I'll skip my daughter's birthday to help them out. Their problem, we'll see tomorrow what happened. I'll ask how they're doing, but will stay uncommitted.

A team member accidentally shares confidential information that could benefit you. What do you do?

Put it into "The Folder." It may come handy later. Report their mistake to our manager and ensure it’s handled correctly. Do nothing: They can handle it.

Your team needs a management decision, but your manager is away. What do you do?

Step in and take charge to keep the team moving. Follow the protocols and wait for the manager's return. Make and own the decision as a team.

Your team has an unrealistic deadline. There is a shortcut, but it violates a governance rule. What do you do?

Take the shortcut to meet the deadline. Stick to the rules, even if it means being late. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

A team member is being unfairly criticized during a meeting. How do you respond?

Defend them and let the perpetrator know they are being disrespectful. Interrupt the meeting to stop the criticism immediately. Wait. Afterwards, have private conversations with the critic and the criticized.

The team is divided on the best approach to a problem. What do you propose?

Encourage a balanced discussion while remaining impartial. Play "Thunderdome:" Two ideas in, one idea out. Create a decision proposal and have your manager decide.

A manager insists that you release a dangerously faulty product in order to keep the timeline. What do you do?

Secure your position by satisfying the manager in a way that lets you to deflect blame. Refuse to release the product and use the Whistleblower policy. Consider the request, but weigh the consequences.

You're tasked with institutionalizing a new, unpopular policy that benefits the company but harms people. What do you do?

Enforce the policy strictly and without exception. Implement the policy and work to mitigate its negative effects. Use the policy to your advantage.

Your alignment is: Undetermined.

Conclusion: Interpreting Your Results

Once you complete the quiz, your alignment will be revealed. Here's how you can read the results:

• Lawful Good (LG): You follow the law and act altruistically. You likely prioritize processes and structured approaches while ensuring the well-being of your team.
• Neutral Good (NG): You do good deeds without a strong adherence to law or chaos. You balance flexibility with a focus on positive outcomes for your team.
• Chaotic Good (CG): You act altruistically but value personal freedom over order. You may encourage innovative and unconventional solutions that benefit the team.
• Lawful Neutral (LN): You follow the law or a personal code strictly, without consideration for good or evil. You value consistency and reliability.
• True Neutral (TN): You maintain a balance between all opposing forces. You adapt to various situations, ensuring balance and harmony within the team.
• Chaotic Neutral (CN): You value personal freedom and follow whims without regard for good or evil. You bring creativity and spontaneity.
• Lawful Evil (LE): You use laws and rules in your own favor. Be cautious - this can make you the cause of unproductive conflict!
• Neutral Evil (NE): You do whatever it takes to achieve goals, whatever the cost. This alignment can be problematic with regards to collaboration and trust.
• Chaotic Evil (CE): You act purely out of selfishness, with no regard for laws or other people. This can severely harm team dynamics.

Understanding your alignment can help you identify areas for personal growth and improvement. It can also foster better communication and collaboration within your team by recognizing and respecting different perspectives. Use this knowledge to enhance your effectiveness and to support your team.

I will leave you with three questions to reflect upon:

1. "Why am I like that?"
2. "Do I want to be like that?"
3. "What does this mean for those around me?"