As we approach the New Year, it is a great time to consider the broader implications of our leadership behavior and decisions. Here are 5 questions to ponder and a bonus question with a story.
Author: Linda Fisher Thornton
Linda Fisher Thornton is Founder and CEO of Leading in Context, and author of the award-winning book 7 Lenses. She teaches as Adjunct Professor for the University of Richmond SPCS. She is leading a movement to help leaders and organizations Unleash the Positive Power of Ethical Leadership.
100 Trends and Predictions 2011
Get ready to make some changes in your business leadership based on where trends are heading. Some of them may surprise you - for 2011 there is a reported trend toward Random Acts of Kindness. These predictions, from a wide variety of sources, will give you a picture of what to expect in the coming year.
Top 10 Trends in Ethical Business Leadership 2010
This is a list of the top 10 trends that I have observed this year that are redefining "ethical leadership." Feel free to post a comment about other ethical business leadership trends you've observed that are moving responsible leadership forward.
Leading in Context LLC Publishes “Ethical Implications of How Leaders Perceive Different” Module
“Ethical Implications of How Leaders perceive Different” is a nine-page eBook designed to enhance leadership development programs by providing a thinking context for ethical leadership. Published by Leading in Context LLC.
Definition of “Top Brands” Evolving: Ethical Business Rankings Inform Purchasing Consumers
Will there be a convergence between the current "top 100 brands" and the "most ethical brands?" Brands that are the most ethical will continue to draw consumers wanting to support ethical business. Those consumers now have many sources of information to use in making purchasing decisions. Businesses - prepare to be ranked on ethics!
Sustainable Everything: What C-Suite Leaders Need to Know About the New Thinking
The growing sustainability mindset is not industry-specific or topic-specific. It is showing up in industries as diverse as foods, fashion and construction. While some industries are tending to dismiss this change in consumer behavior as a trend that will pass, others have realized that the movement is deeply rooted and that they will be at a competitive disadvantage if they don't respond.
Respecting People and Ideas Fuels Business Innovation
To encourage innovation, business leaders need to demonstrate respect for all ideas, regardless of the source. Ideas and emerging trends that some would consider to be "on the fringe" are often important in the next wave of innovative products.
Ethical Consumerism 2010: The New “Good” Shopping Experience
Ethical consumerism is the new practice of choosing to purchase items that are made ethically. More consumers are choosing ethical products and there are now websites that help them do it.
Scrutinize Suppliers for Ethical Business Practices
The ethics of our business includes things that don't happen at headquarters or in any of our sites, but that go into the the making of the final product or service that the customer purchases. Prudent leaders check the ethics of their suppliers and partners.
Ethical Leadership Thinking: When we Attack an Issue
When solving a difficult problem, it's easy to get carried away and begin attacking people instead of the problem. When we attack issues, we are more respectful. When we attack people, our thinking narrows.
Leadership and… Language: Business Leadership and the Words We Choose
Ethical leadership language focuses on the positive, recognizes that organizations are systems, and is inclusive.
Case Study: Think Before You Blame (the Culture May be the Cause)
When we are faced with a business problem that involves ethics, the easy way out is to blame someone. That appears to remove the pressure of actually solving the problem. But organizational problems are complicated and rarely have one simple cause.
Highlights From The Donchian Symposium: Evolving Perspectives on Ethics
The Donchian Symposium: Evolving Perspectives on Ethics, held recently at the University of Richmond, was a groundbreaking cross-disciplinary look at how cultural perspectives on ethical leadership are changing. Presenters raised emerging issues and cultural challenges related to ethics in ways that…
Read More Highlights From The Donchian Symposium: Evolving Perspectives on Ethics
Ethical Leadership: Perceptions of “Different” Impact Our Behavior
"DIFFERENT" How we think as leaders directly impacts our behavior. It compels us to act based on the value judgements we make. Today's post focuses on how we perceive "different," how our perceptions change our leadership, and how our leadership changes the work environment in ways…
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Greenwashing: Pretending to be Environmentally Responsible
"Consumers are not particularly patient with companies found to be practicing greenwashing. They perceive it as an abuse of their trust and a violation of the customer relationship."
Leading in Context 