By Linda Fisher Thornton To Innovate, Rethink the Blueprint If we just try to make something better using the design blueprint that we've always used, it is very difficult to innovate. Using the blueprint we have used in the past ties us to the assumptions and limitations of those blueprints.
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10 Ways to Avoid the “Rightness” Trap
10 Ways to Avoid the "Rightness" Trap There were quite a few responses to last week's post about "rightness, Is Needing to Be "Right" Unethical?, which seemed to strike a chord with readers. These are just 10 of the themes raised by readers in their comment. Collectively, these themes represent 10 ways to avoid falling into the "rightness" trap.
Is Needing to Be “Right” Unethical?
by Linda Fisher Thornton We Like to be "Right" Why do we sometimes abandon civility? One reason is that when the discussion gets heated, sometimes we just like to be "right." And sometimes we abandon civility to try to prove that we are.
Civility and Openness to Learning
By Linda Fisher Thornton Author's Note: In a previous post, Civility is an Ethical Issue, I explained why civility is an ethical issue. In this post I'll explore the connection between civility and openness to learning. Moving From Tolerance to Civility in Conversation It seems that "civility" has come to mean something closer to the word "tolerance" in everyday conversation. Civil behavior now seems to imply an aloof stance that doesn't step directly on anyone's toes, but that is not nearly enough. According to W. Jason Wallace, we should be "moral agents" who "share moral relationships."
How Not to Lead Through Conflict
By Linda Fisher Thornton Why do we tend to think that conflict is something negative, something that we must prevent? Why we Need Conflict Experienced leaders have learned that too little conflict in meetings is a warning sign that not all of the important points are being heard.
Why We Need A Strong Moral Center
As we deal with increasing work complexity, connection and speed, we need a strong moral center to guide us. We can think about it as having a strong character, being principle-centered, having integrity, or following an ethical compass. No matter what we call it, we need a strong moral foundation.
Civility is an Ethical Issue
by Linda Fisher Thornton The Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary defines civility as "polite, reasonable, and respectful behavior." These are the kinds of behaviors we use when we treat others with care. According to Michael Brannigan, The Pfaff Endowed Chair in Ethics and Moral Values at the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY., "Ethics deals fundamentally with how we treat each other on a daily basis. Indeed, our small acts of civility and incivility constitute the heart of morality."
What is the Greater Good?
What is the Greater Good? As leaders, we must think beyond our own interests to the interests of those we lead and serve, and the interests of communities and the world. We must take a long-term view, keeping in mind the broad effects of our day-to-day decisions. Many people refer to the "greater good" as an important part of leading ethically, and use different words to describe it. The descriptions collectively paint a picture of a responsibility to think beyond ourselves and to work for a better, inclusive society.
Don’t Separate “Ethics” From “Leadership”
Preparing For Ethical Leadership Preparing leaders for ethical leadership is a long-term process. It requires careful thought about the messages we are sending. For example, what message are we sending when we separate ethics training from other leadership training? The Risks of "Separate" Ethics Training I believe that we take an unnecessary risk when we separate ethics training from the rest of a leader's development. When we separate ethics training and leadership training, we may be unintentionally sending the message that ethics is separate from leadership. What could be the harm of separating ethics from leadership?
The Leadership Development Advantage
by Linda Fisher Thornton Developing Leaders Pays Off Ongoing development for leaders helps companies. According to several recent reports, businesses that invest in leadership development enjoy clear advantages. These advantages include improved bench strength, improved talent retention and greater market value over time.
Collaborative Leadership in a Global Society
What is Collaborative Leadership? What does collaborative leadership look like in a global society? At the societal level it's taking the best that all of us know and can do and putting it together in ways that help everyone.
Reflections on Respecting Differences
Quotations About the Importance of Respecting Differences I hope that you enjoy this collection of quotes about respecting differences. Notice how many different compelling reasons for respecting differences are included - some from unexpected sources! Toward no crime have men…
Leading For Ethical Performance
Discouraging Unethical Leadership The senior leaders in an organization need to work together to create an organization where ethical leadership is rewarded and unethical leadership is quickly corrected. To build an ethical organization over time, Chief Learning Officers can work with leaders throughout the organization to build ethical competence in areas that support effective communication and leadership.
10 Reasons to Embrace Complexity
Leading Through Complexity and Uncertainty In The Center For Creative Leadership's White Paper, The Future of Leadership Development, Nick Petrie describes the new work environment as "typified by an increased level of complexity and interconnectedness." This new work environment requires new leadership skills, including a willingness to lead when the situation is complex and the outcome uncertain.
150th Blog Post – Learning Out Loud
Humble Blog Beginnings The journey to a 150th blog post starts with a single post. This blog had a very humble beginning back in 2009. I had decided to start a blog and took a WordPress class at the University of Richmond. The possibilities were promising. Then came those nagging thoughts...
Leading in Context 