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.
Category: Ethical Leader
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
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
Ethical Leadership Brings Out the Best in People and Organizations
After taking the Leading in Context website and branding back to the drawing board, this week I'm delighted to introduce the Leading in Context® Website version 2.0.
The Leading in Context® Manifesto
By Linda Fisher Thornton This week I am featuring The Leading in Context® Manifesto - a clear statement of what I believe and the movement I lead. It is a stake in the ground, a powerful statement of how we can build the kind of ethical leadership that builds successful companies, successful communities and a better world. If you like it, please help spread the word.
Ethical Leadership is a Journey
By Linda Fisher Thornton Ethical leadership is a journey, not a destination. Imagine walking for hours toward the distant horizon. No matter how fast or how far you walk, the horizon will always be out there, some distance away from you. The same is true for ethical leadership. No matter how far we go, we never "arrive."
How Many Really Great Leaders Have You Worked For?
By Linda Fisher Thornton How many really great leaders have you worked for? If we're very lucky, we will have had the chance to work for great leaders in most of the jobs we've held. Let's be honest though - how many people are that lucky?
Cultural Competence Required
By Linda Fisher Thornton Openness to learning about other cultures has become a necessary component of leadership. One way to help people respect cultural differences is to build what UNESCO calls "intercultural competence."
Top 10 Benefits of Working For an Ethical Leader
By Linda Fisher Thornton What are the benefits of working for an ethical leader? Here are ten I came up with to get you started: A low stress workday
Leading in a Systems World
By Linda Fisher Thornton The impact of our leadership decisions is felt far beyond the spaces where we work. The choices that we make may impact people, communities, the environment and society for generations.
10 Favorite Quotes From the Leading in Context Blog
This week, I'm sharing 10 of my favorite quotes from the Leading in Context Blog. Clicking on each quote takes you to the full post that includes the quote.
Leading in Context 