By Linda Fisher Thornton CEOs are in a unique position to make ethics a priority through their everyday actions, but simply modeling ethics isn't nearly enough. Here is a starting list of 5 actions CEOs can take that move organizations toward an ethical culture.
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10 Ways Leading With Ethics is Transformational
By Linda Fisher Thornton What are some of the ways that ethical leadership transforms people and brings out their best? And how does bringing out people's best transform organizations? Here is a list of 10 ways, inspired by the participants in the Leading With Ethics #leadfromwithin Tweetchat that I co-hosted earlier this month. 10 Ways Leading With Ethics is Transformational
What is Ethical Leadership?
By Linda Fisher Thornton This collection from reader favorites on the Leading in Context Blog will help you explore the scope and dimensions of today's ethical leadership. As you will see, ethical leadership requires much more than following laws and regulations. We have to take on a global mindset and an openness to learning, and much more.
10 Questions On “Leading With Ethics”
By Linda Fisher Thornton I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to co-host the live #leadfromwithin Tweetchat with @LollyDaskal on October 8th. The topic was Leading With Ethics, and the participation was robust, with thousands of Tweets per hour! In spite of the fast pace, this was an open and heartfelt discussion about what ethical leadership means, and what it looks like in day to day practice. Here are some highlights from the conversation, which I found to be powerful and inspiring.
Ethical Thinking is Intentional
Ethical leader don't settle for the easy answers that offer them the most advantages. They intentionally take on tough questions like these: "What do ethical leaders do every day that makes such a positive difference in their organizations?" "How do we lead in ways that prepare us for the future and honor our ethical responsibilities?" "How does the ethical leader of the future think?"
Take Your Thinking Up a Notch (Strategies For Solving Complex Problems)
Taking Our Thinking Up a Notch Looking at problems in great detail don't usually help us solve them unless we apply specific strategies that make the puzzle as a whole become clearer. Here are strategies that help us move from one level of thinking to another. It may be necessary to apply all of these strategies to solve particularly complex problems:
Leadership Responsibility: The Movement
Leadership responsibility is multidimensional, and cannot be described in one or two words. Fortunately, that level of complexity is not stopping a number of leaders and organizations from taking the lead in demonstrating what it means to take responsibility in leadership.
Leading to Bring Out Their Best
By Linda Fisher Thornton The purpose of leadership has been debated but most people would agree that it includes bringing out the best in people and organizations. Some of the ways we do this include trust building, supporting, guiding, coaching, team building and removing barriers to good work. While these leadership roles may seem low-key, they are the critical behaviors that lead to strong cultures and productive organizations.
Making a Difference in the World
There is More to Leadership There is much more to leadership than being at the front of the room during a meeting, or being the one to make the big decisions. I find that the most rewarding part of leadership is making a difference - in people's lives, in the community, or in the world. While making a difference may seem like a lofty goal, consider these examples of how much difference one person on a mission can make:
Global-Minded Ethical Leadership
Because we are part of a connected society, we cannot think about ethics on a small scale. Our daily choices can have a global ripple effect, and that effect can be either positive or negative depending on our choices. We need to think on a global scale, and consider the long term impact of every decision.
Modeling Ethical Leadership and Behavior
It is simultaneously a burden and an opportunity for us as leaders to model ethical behavior. It is a burden in that we must work hard to ensure that we are using the highest ethics. it is an opportunity in that by using ethical behavior brings out the best in us and those we lead.
Improving Lives and Organizations
By Linda Fisher Thornton What is it that ethical leaders do that has such a powerful positive effect on people? What can be the long-term impact of inspiring groups of people to greatness and ethical behavior? The Leading in Context Manifesto addresses the importance of respect and care, and helping each individual become their best:
A Learning Journey That Brings Out Our Best
By Linda Fisher Thornton The Manifesto How is ethical leadership a learning journey? "Ethical leadership transforms profits, people, the planet, communities and the world. Ethical leadership is not something on our to do list that we can check off as completed. It is an ongoing individual and organizational journey. This learning journey will bring out the best in all of us." The Leading in Context® Manifesto
Proactivity, Performance and Potential
By Linda Fisher Thornton The Manifesto This week, I want to continue to explore the mindset behind The Leading in Context® Manifesto. Here is an important quote from it about the positive impact of ethical leadership: "Imagine the potential. What could we accomplish if we proactively developed ethical leaders and an ethical culture? Unleash the performance potential of our people? Transform our organizations? Improve lives and communities? Change the world?"
Possibility, Service and Making a Difference
By Linda Fisher Thornton Recently, I released the Leading in Context Manifesto, a bold statement of belief about the kind of ethical leadership that I believe we need to use every day. Today, I want to explore the mindset behind the Manifesto. It opens with this statement about our purpose as leaders: "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." The Leading in Context® Manifesto
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