Ethical Leadership is About Service, Not Privilege

By Linda Fisher Thornton I was noticing how many drivers seem to be in a hurry, and I realized that some people are rushing so quickly that they don't stop to consider their impact on others (on the road or elsewhere). They just want to get wherever they're going as quickly as possible. Some (who aspire to be) leaders act this way, too. While their purpose should be to enable the success of those they lead, they stop their circle of purpose at themselves and don't let concern for anyone else's well-being slow them down. I wonder what values are at the center of that kind of leadership? Speed? Money? Power? Efficiency?

Ready to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good)? Part 4

By Linda Fisher Thornton Leadership is not easy. Leaders need to be inspired to lead with positive values while dealing with the goals and expectations of multiple stakeholders. Here are the previous posts in the series if you missed them: Ready to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good)? Part 1 (Improve Accountability) Ready to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good)? Part 2 (Improve Leader Impact) Ready to Change the Ethics Quo (For Good)? Part 3 (Manage the System) The focus of this week's post is on Ways to Inspire Leaders to Lead With Positive Ethical Values. Here are 3 ways to inspire leaders to reach for positive values - that also help you "do good" in your organization, community and world.

What is the Current State of Business Ethics?

By Linda Fisher Thornton I met with faculty members and students at Plymouth State University on October 3rd on the topic of "Decoding the Complexity of Doing the Right Thing." They had lots of questions, including the one answered in this video, "What it the Current State of Business Ethics?" This is a question that is 'top of mind' for many people as this year draws to a close.

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.

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.

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.

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.

5 Insights Into The Future of Leadership Development (Part 1)

By Linda Fisher Thornton In this series called "5 Insights Into the Future of Leadership Development" I will be sharing trends and learning resources that give us the broad picture of how to prepare leaders for success in a complex, connected global society.