What type of world will you help create? What will your legacy be after you’re gone? Those are big questions for a room full of young students. But they’re also essential for anyone weighing what it means to lead an ethical life, said Mark Quiner, director of the Center for Ethics in Government for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
“What's your moral compass? What's that internal guidance you get to navigate this dangerous world that we're in? How do you know what your values are?” Quiner said to a packed room of over 150 students and community members during a Nov. 8 appearance at Roanoke College.
Quiner’s address on ethics and leadership was sponsored by the Center for Policy, Ethics and Law, Henry H. Fowler Program and Turk Pre-Law Program. It challenged listeners to reflect on what their values are and how to apply them to ethical dilemmas. 
Reflection, civility and accountability to others are all part of the equation when navigating tough decisions, said Quiner, who consults with government leaders across the country. Having a trusted circle of people who can check you is also key.
“Have somebody that cares enough about to you to say, what are you doing, why are you doing it?” he said, adding college is a prime time for forming those deep bonds. “Being in school is one of the most wonderful ways to build lifelong friendships. I know you know that. These are the people, look around, some of these people will stay with you for the rest of your life. They can be valuable sources when you have an ethical dilemma.”