Ethics is the focus of much discussion and media coverage in the business world tainted by the post-Enron and WorldCom scandal. Leadership, always an area of study for organizations of all types and sizes, is receiving even more attention as a result of corporate corruption and other forms (such as recent events with Tom Delay in Congress and the “K Street” lobby). . research by Jack Abramoff and others in Washington, DC). But when it comes to ethics-based leadership, while there is a growing volume of literature, there are few role models (at least those who are still living and breathing, rather than the history books and biographies). Given these circumstances, where in the “real world” can one look for guidance when it comes to ethics-based leadership?
There are several key questions that leaders at all levels and in any type of organization, whether large or small business, nonprofit, government, or the professions, can ask themselves and others:
– What would my mother say about… (action, decision, behavior…)?
– What if this were my personal bank account (applies both for income and expenses)?
– How would I like to be treated in the same situation (applies to clients, clients, patients and employees)?
– I would like to see this (action, decision, behavior, conversation, etc.) on the front page of the local (or regional or national) newspaper?
– If I am making a promise, agreement or “commitment”, am I willing to do everything in my power to keep it (situational honesty is just another name for a lie)?
Simplistic? Maybe. Realistic? Yes. Life changing? Definitely. If leaders in all professions, businesses, and organizations asked these questions and then acted on them, ethics-based leadership would move from academic theory to everyday reality with remarkable results not only for leaders but also for clients. . , employees and investors.