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The "Front Page Test" for Decisions

Before any sensitive decision, ask: if published with full detail on tomorrow's front page, would I defend it with pride or look for an exit?

15 min Intermediate

Goal

Use a quick practical test (front-page test) to ethically screen sensitive decisions before making them, as a simple daily tool instead of complex ethical analysis leaders usually don't have time for.

Steps

1

Identify a sensitive decision you're facing now (a layoff, supplier dealing, financial report, appointment).

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Expected Outcome

Immediate

You quickly discover which part of your current decision causes real ethical discomfort you weren't clearly aware of.

Evidence base

School: Applied Business Ethics

Founders: Warren Buffett · Michael Josephson (1991)

The "front page test" is a documented practice promoted by Warren Buffett in his letters to Berkshire Hathaway managers, developed further by Michael Josephson (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 1991) as a quick practical training tool for organizational decision-makers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "The "Front Page Test" for Decisions" take?

This exercise takes about 15 minutes, practiced solo in a Written reflection format.

When will I notice the effect of "The "Front Page Test" for Decisions"?

You quickly discover which part of your current decision causes real ethical discomfort you weren't clearly aware of. In the short term: Within weeks, sensitive decisions get adjusted before execution, not after erupting into a public crisis.

Is "The "Front Page Test" for Decisions" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Applied Business Ethics (Warren Buffett, Michael Josephson (1991)). The "front page test" is a documented practice promoted by Warren Buffett in his letters to Berkshire Hathaway managers, developed further by Michael Josephson (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 1991) as a quick practical training tool for organizational decision-makers.

Is "The "Front Page Test" for Decisions" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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