Ethics Workshops with Steve Weiss

This is a series of two workshops for people who want to become ethical leaders. Each workshop can be standalone, or they can be taken together. The first workshop will focus more upon theoretical constructs to assess workplace ethics, while the second workshop will be more about practical implementation considerations.

  • The workshops are free and open to the public, but space is limited so registration is requested.
  • These events are not intended for minors. Grinnell College is not responsible for the supervision of minors on campus.
  • Grinnell College welcomes participation of people with disabilities.
  • Contact Stephanie Peterson at 641-269-3323 with questions.


April 13, 2024 – Workplace Ethics: Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Challenges

  • Participants are expected to read a provided case study prior to the start of this workshop.

On Saturday, “Workplace Ethics: Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Challenges” explores recent conflicts within and about OpenAI and its effort to develop artificial general intelligence. The objectives of this workshop include increasing your awareness and identification of ethical issues in an interconnected world, providing you with tools to resolve ethical issues, enhancing your ability to articulate the rationale of your desired resolution of ethical issues, and assisting you in understanding similarities and differences in assessing ethical issues among for-profit, non-profit, and government entities.

April 14, 2024 – Leadership Ethics: Expectations, Skills, Communication

On Sunday, “Leadership Ethics: Expectations, Skills, and Communication” stems from the instructor’s career and will address workplace communication and management strategies with a focus on ethics in the workplace. The objectives of the workshop include developing reasonable expectations for new professionals entering the workplace, understanding similarities and differences between communicating in academic and workplace settings, and obtaining tips on ethical management and leadership.

About the Instructor

Steve Weiss has most recently worked as a volunteer attorney at Iowa Legal Aid. Steve’s career grew from an entry-level professional to a senior executive in government, for-profit, and non-profit organizations. He has also been Senior Vice President and General Counsel for MidAmerican Energy Company, Hearing Examiner at Illinois Commerce Commission, and served on the President’s Commission on the Accident at Three Mile Island in 1982. Steve holds a B.A. from Grinnell College (history), and a J.D. from The University of Iowa. 

These workshops are sponsored by the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership.