SHARPEN YOUR ETHICAL EDGE: HOW TO FUEL SUCCESS BY DOING RIGHT

"Integrity, the choice between what's convenient and what's right, is the foundation of all leadership."

Tony Dungy, Hall of Fame NFL Coach

The leadership landscape is littered with the remains of individuals who hold the highest positions in this nation, both past and present, on both sides of the aisle. They now find themselves entangled in litigation for alleged unethical behavior. Surprisingly, the accused are met with cheers and support, drowning out the outcries of indignation that sound like silent whispers in comparison. Even worse, the accused doubles down in defiance. They often show no remorse, shame, or sense even of a hint of obligation to the constituents, who seemingly overlook their dishonesty, rank attitudes of entitlement, and complete lack of ownership for their actions. Amid this disappointing reality, it becomes increasingly clear that ethical leadership is not just a preference but a necessity for strengthening organizations and society, which has become increasingly important. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to choose between crossing the line for success or doing what is right and accepting the outcomes?

Warren Buffet strongly affirmed the significance of integrity, “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” The need for ethical leaders cannot be overstated. A recent study found that 88% of employees surveyed believe that the highest levels of an organization need ethical leadership. People want to follow leaders with integrity who are trustworthy and ethical role models. This article will help you sharpen your ethical edge to increase the trust of your team to be that person they willingly follow. First, let’s make sure we are on the same page with the meaning of an ethical leader.

Ethical Leader

An ethical leader consistently leads by example through actions that reflect integrity, fairness, honesty, and care for others. Ethical leaders set high standards for themselves and act in ways that show they genuinely care about the well-being of their teams, customers, and the greater community. This is a top priority for ethical leaders as they create an environment of trust and respect. They communicate these values openly, reinforce them in others, and make decisions based on ethical principles. Ethical leaders should be morally strong individuals and manage their teams in ways that promote ethical behavior. They build credibility through clear communication, setting expectations, and leading by example, enhancing their influence and effectiveness. An article by Forbes showed that ethical leadership positively impacts employee engagement, organizational reputation, and financial performance. Here are two keys that will help you sharpen your ethical edge.

Embrace High Ethical Standards

Embrace the call to model ethical leadership with a sense of purpose and conviction. Start by defining your core values, aligning them with your organization’s code of ethics, and letting these principles guide every decision. Commit to regular reflection, seek honest feedback from trusted peers and mentors, and approach each day with a learning and growth mindset. Create a culture of transparency and accountability within your team by promoting open communication and encouraging ethical behavior at every level. Lead by example—consistently show integrity, fairness, empathy, concern, and compassion in your interactions. Celebrate and reward ethical conduct, transforming ethics from a requirement into a shared vision that fosters full buy-in. By hardwiring these practices into your daily routine, you strengthen your ethical foundation and inspire others to do the same.

A Harvard study indicated that ethical leaders develop their skills over periods of time through learning and experience, as ethical decision-making is a continual learning process. Level up your leadership ethic through courses and workshops on ethical leadership and business ethics offered by reputable institutions. Complement your learning with books, articles, Podcasts, YouTube videos, and case studies on ethical dilemmas and effective leadership practices from respectable sources. Participate in discussions and seminars to gain diverse perspectives and practical insights. Learn from your experiences and the experiences of others. Consider coaching or mentoring from experienced leaders who are winning in ethics and incorporate your learning into your daily operations. This complete and balanced approach will strengthen your understanding and practice of ethical leadership.

Model High Ethical Standards

Are you intentional about role modeling ethical standards each day you show up? Purposeful ethical leadership involves a conscious commitment to consistently align with ethical principles and values by asking, “Am I doing right by all parties?” This question considers the impact of decisions on all stakeholders and ensures fairness, equity, and respect in your leadership practices. Dan Schulman role modeled fairness and genuine care for others. He launched PayPal's Employee Financial Wellness initiative. Two-thirds of his entry-level and call center employees revealed in a survey that they were living paycheck to paycheck with about 4%-6% of their pay left over after taxes and necessary living expenses. As PayPal prospered under Dan’s leadership, he committed to helping financially struggling workers by 1) raising wages where needed, 2) lowering healthcare premiums, 3) creating a means to gain equity in the company, 4) developing a financial education program, and 5) encouraging long-term saving by employees. By investing in its employees, PayPal excelled, benefiting customers, shareholders, and society. He did right by his employees and all parties—everybody won!

Your team is looking to you for ethical leadership. Define your core values, align them with your organization’s ethics, and let these values guide every decision. Reflect on your actions, seek honest feedback, and commit to continual growth. Build a culture of transparency and accountability within your team, encouraging open communication and ethical behavior. Lead by example by showing integrity, fairness, and empathy in every interaction. Create an environment where doing the right thing is celebrated and rewarded. Purposefully hardwiring these practices into your daily routine will build a solid ethical foundation to inspire and guide those around you.

Sharpen Your Ethical Edge

Sharpening your ethical edge is essential in a world where unethical actions are frequent. Being an ethical leader is not just a choice. It is the high road of leading that empowers organizations and uplifts environments where the leader is regularly present. Let’s go all in and lead with integrity. Model doing what’s right, making fairness, empathy, and respect the cornerstones of your actions. Define your core principles, commit to lifelong learning, and inspire others by demonstrating the behavior you want to see. Embrace transparency, celebrate doing the right thing, and foster a culture where doing what’s right is the norm. By leading ethically, you create a ripple effect that extends far beyond your organization, leaving a powerful and positive impact on everyone you encounter. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emphatically stated, “The time is always right to do what is right.

BOOK A CALL

LeaderLift equips individuals to “Sharpen Their Ethical Edge” through assessments, training, coaching, consulting programs, and keynote speaking. Our hands-on approach to leadership development helps participants lift their performance and make a positive and sustained impact within their organizations.

__________________________________________________________________________________

© 2024 Dr. Clinton Parker III | LeaderLift. All rights reserved.