Which of the following is an essential component of personal ethics?

Personal values serve as the foundational beliefs that guide an individual's behavior and decision-making process. They shape how a person thinks about right and wrong and influence their actions in both personal and professional contexts. Having a strong sense of personal ethics is critical for establishing trust and credibility, fostering healthy relationships, and making principled decisions.

In contrast, technical skills, leadership abilities, and financial acumen are important for professional success, but they do not inherently reflect one's personal ethical framework. While these skills can be influenced by or aligned with one's personal values, they are not core components of personal ethics themselves. Understanding and prioritizing personal values is key to navigating ethical dilemmas and maintaining integrity in various situations.