Many people still have an outdated idea of what “courage” looks like as a leader. Some of the “old school” ideas of courage include being a “tough guy” (and they mean it in a masculine way) who takes lots of risks, has all the answers, and pursues HIS plan no matter what. Fortunately, more updated ideas of “courage” are emerging – and some of them are discussed in a … [Read more...] about Courageous Leadership
Ethics
Voice Your Values
The news today is filled with lines being drawn in the sand. While few of us face the terrible decisions our world’s leaders must face, we do all face our own “line in the sand”: witnessing unethical behavior at work. Over the course of teaching ethics in the past seven years, I’ve relied on the work of Mary Gentile, recently retired from the Darden School, and her … [Read more...] about Voice Your Values
Dr. King: “Do What Is Right”
We all know about Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, but here is a lesser known quote that can help guide us: “Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is … [Read more...] about Dr. King: “Do What Is Right”
Creating Your Ethical Laboratory
Most organizations are interested in developing an ethical workforce for a wide variety of reasons – from basic compliance concerns to performance issues. In a recent issue of Harvard Business Review, an article suggests that our development as ethical leaders is a lifelong evolution. Organizations can be very intentional about fostering that continuing development in a … [Read more...] about Creating Your Ethical Laboratory
How is Your Reputation?
Your Reputation may be one of the most important assets you have as a Leader. How’s yours? Leadership coach and author, Ron Carucci, suggests that we each need to pay special attention to one particular aspect of our reputation – our trustworthiness. He suggests four key practices to build trustworthiness between ourselves and others: 1. Be Who You Say You Are. … [Read more...] about How is Your Reputation?