By Linda Fisher Thornton This week's question is about what defines our ethics - "Is our ethics based on who we are or what we do?" Some people would argue that we have a persona, a manner, either ethical or not. Others would say that it is our decisions and actions that define how ethical we are, and therefore our ethicality changes from moment to moment.
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Ready to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good)? – Part 3
By Linda Fisher Thortnton The first post in this series addressed ACCOUNTABILITY. The second asked you to evaluate your IMPACT. These four ways to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good) focus on MANAGING THE SYSTEM.
Leaders: Can Rights and Responsibilities Be Separated?
By Linda Fisher Thornton This week I take a moment to reflect on the question "Can rights and responsibilities be separated?" If we fail to live up to our responsibilities, we have a negative impact on others. If we assert individual rights without also taking responsibility, we are asking for more than we are willing to give.
Ready to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good)? – Part 2
By Linda Fisher Thornton The first post in this series addressed ACCOUNTABILITY. In this second post we'll take a look at IMPACT. Here are 3 ways to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good) that improve the impact of your organization and your leadership.
Is Moral Development Observable?
By Linda Fisher Thornton Most of us have some idea about human development because we have watched people grow up and pass through stages and milestones in their lives. We have seen babies roll over and sit up, and later walk on their own. We have watched children grow into teenagers and become adults. Moral development is just as important as physical development, and should be going on at the same time as physical development, but it is not visible in terms of a person's appearance.
Ready To Change the Ethics Quo (For Good)? – Part 1
By Linda Fisher Thornton Each day brings new challenges for leaders. They struggle to deal with uncertainty and complexity and sometimes the most ethical choices are not obvious. In this kind of environment, we can't assume that things are going well even when there are no lawsuits or imminent ethical crises. What we need to do is build an ethical workplace that will discourage ethical problems. This week the focus is on Ways to Improve Accountability For Ethics. Here are 3 ways to avoid relying on the status quo - that also help you "do good" in your organization, community and world.
Building Trust: Paradoxical Qualities to Cultivate
By Linda Fisher Thornton As we progress on the learning journey toward positive leadership, some of the qualities we seek seem to be paradoxical. For example, as leaders we need to be CRYSTAL CLEAR in outwardly communicating what we expect and also OPEN to hearing input from others that might change our plans. We need to be FULLY PRESENT in this moment, and still able to THINK AHEAD to prepare for the future.
5 Signs Your Culture is FAILING
By Linda Fisher Thornton Building a positive ethical culture is a long-term process. It involves much more than just company trappings and perks - leaders must make a commitment to people and to creating a positive work space. When things seem to be going well, it's easy to miss signs that the culture may be off track.
What Is Organizational Integrity?
By Linda Fisher Thornton Individual integrity is the full alignment in what a person thinks, says and does. Taking that concept to another level, this post will explore the question "what is organizational integrity?" Clearly, organizational integrity is broader than individual integrity, but what does it include?
5 Insights Into Leadership Development Future (Part 5)
By Linda Fisher Thornton This is the 5th post in a series called 5 Insights Into Leadership Development Future. Here are the 4 previous posts in the series in case you missed them: Part 1 on Global Trends Part 2 on Wholeness Part 3 on Growth and Human Development Part 4 on Positive Ethical Values and the Search For Meaning This final post will build on the previous 4 posts in this series and discuss how to prepare leaders for the workplace of the future.
Leaders, Don’t You Care? (9 Red Flags That Tell Employees You Don’t)
By Linda Fisher Thornton One of the hallmark requirements of ethical leadership is that we CARE about people, about their success, and about creating a positive work environment. If leaders fail to demonstrate that they care, that harms the culture. The 9 behaviors below are red flags for employees - pointing out that a leader doesn't care.
What Does it Mean to “Be a Leader?”
By Linda Fisher Thornton Leadership is not about being "in charge" or standing "at the front of the room" or "exercising personal power." Authentic ethical leadership flips that paradigm.
5 Insights Into Leadership Development Future (Part 4)
By Linda Fisher Thornton This post is Part 4 in the series "5 Insights Into Leadership Development Future." The previous posts in the series in case you missed them: Part 1 on Global Trends Part 2 on Wholeness Part 3 on Growth and Human Development In Part 4, we take a look at positive ethical values and the search for meaning.
5 Insights Into Leadership Development Future (Part 3)
By Linda Fisher Thornton This is the third installment in a series "5 Insights Into Leadership Development Future" Each post in this series will address a trend in leadership development and offer tangible actions for helping leaders. In case you missed them, here are the previous posts:
Reflections on Truth (Are You a Seeker?)
By Linda Fisher Thornton Reflections on Truth We've heard the expressions "truth is in the eye of the beholder" and "the truth shall set you free." What is this truth that so many have spoken of? How do we find it? How does it relate to ethics? Ponder those questions as you explore this collection of quotes about truth.
Leading in Context 