While America was on the verge of a revolution, Thomas Paine wrote, ”… these are the times that try men’s souls.” Isn’t that the truth today as well? But these are also the times that put a person’s soul on trial. Temptation to be unethical is greatest when times are as bad as they are now. Here though are cognitive hacks to help others, and yourself, stay on the straight and narrow.

Have a troubled seeming friend or colleague? Want to find out what is going on with her? Do not ask if everything is OK. Why? A rote question produces a rote response. Instead ask, in a conversational tone, “What’s on your mind?” You might need to ask several times, but the invitation will finally be accepted and the truth forthcoming.