10 Posts to Inspire Leaders in 2026 (Part 1)

By Linda Fisher Thornton

This series includes 10 quotes that are linked to the blog posts they were quoted from, to inspire you and help you improve your leadership and leadership learning as we head into the new year. Part 1 includes the first 5.

We are here to focus on what’s right and what’s possible, not on what’s historical or convenient. We are here to serve others, not to profit from their vulnerabilities. We are here to make a positive difference, through intentional leadership and responsible choices. Linda Fisher Thornton in A Manifesto For Ethical Leaders

Watch for leaders sharing a falsehood that is a “belief of convenience,” which is a type of unethical leadership. It is unethical for multiple reasons. It is intentionally misleading instead of transparent, is based on an ulterior motive, and has the potential to harm. Linda Fisher Thornton in Unethical Leadership: Convenient Beliefs

Everything we do needs to be morally grounded. We need to assume that every issue is an ethical issue and approach it accordingly. Linda Fisher Thornton in 10 Things Ethical Leaders Believe (Part 3)

Unethical leaders may look good on paper, but be careful. They can inflict tremendous long-term damage on people, groups and organizations. For the best outcomes, choose leaders that exhibit the 5 Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership. Linda Fisher Thornton in 5 (Easy to Spot) Hallmarks of Unethical Leadership

Why do even ethics experts disagree about what ethical leadership means? What is the bigger picture that we should be using as our leadership road map? What are the business benefits of intentionally using high-level ethical leadership? The leadership described in the answers to these questions is not oversimplified or one-dimensional. It is the multidimensional leadership we need for successful organizations, thriving communities and a better world. Linda Fisher Thornton in Ethical Thinking is Multidimensional

As we begin 2026, a grounding in ethical values will help leaders successfully navigate the inevitable challenges the new year will bring. But leading with values isn’t as simple as it may sound. It’s time to make a plan for how you’ll get there.