Ethical Values Are Good For Business (Part 5)

By Linda Fisher Thornton

In Part 1 of this series “Ethical Values Are Good For Business” I shared the importance of clearing up the confusion employees have in balancing ethical values with bottom line profitability. In Part 2, we looked at the importance of aligning strategy with the organization’s values. Part 3 addressed the senior leader’s important role. Part 4 looked at using values to guide us in challenging times. This week in Part 5, we’ll dig into the trends fueling the values-based leadership movement and their business impact.

Only If You Keep Up As Times Change

Ethical values are good for business, but only if you keep up as times change. Right now, expectations are high and Ibelieve that values-based leadership is gaining momentum. Recently I was asked to explain why I think so, and I thought I would share my answer in today’s blog post. Here are a number of trends that I see that are working together to fuel the movement toward leading with positive values.

Values-based leadership is gaining momentum, and it’s fueled by a convergence of positive trends.

These forces are coming from various directions and perspectives, all leading toward positive, proactive values-based leadership. See if you recognize any of them, and feel free to comment with your additions to the list.

How do forward-thinking leaders define “doing well?” They don’t define it as simply reaching financial projections and avoiding lawsuits. They define it as always leading with values. They define success in terms of mutual benefit – creating shared value for multiple stakeholders and making a positive difference.