CFLM2 –LECTURE 3

ETHICS IN LEADERSHIP

“An ethical leader is someone who lives and dies for integrity.
Doing the right thing, even when it hurts, is the ethical leader’s
mantra”
Heather R. Younger
Ethics is about the types of values and morals that a person or a
community finds acceptable or necessary. In addition, ethics is
concerned with the morality and actions of individuals. They took to
leaders when it comes to ethics to lead on ethics and take
responsibility for both good and bad results.
Ethically leading leaders are role models, promoting the value of
ethical standards. Keeping their people accountable for those
principles, and crucially-designing environments in which others works
and live. As mentioned below, it has been shown that ethical
leadership produces a variety of positive results, and reduces the risk
of many negative results. Thus leadership can be the most effective
tool in an ethical system designed to support ethical behavior.
Ethical leadership is leadership motivated by respect for ethical
beliefs and values, and other people’s integrity and rights (Watts, 2008)
. It is therefore related to values such as honesty, sincerity, care,
beauty and fairness (Brown, M. [Link]. 2005).

HOW TO BECOME AN ETHICAL LEADER?

a. Define and align your values
Consider the morals you were raised with:
* Treat others how you want to be treated
* Always say “thank you”
* Help those whi are struggling,” etc.
But as you evolve, and as society progresses, traditions alter, often
causing changing values. Ask yourself what matters to you as a person,
and then align that with your leadership goals. It not only reflects your
honesty in describing your beliefs, it also inspires the colleagues to do
the same, building a shared vision for all staff.

b. Champion the importance of Ethics

An ethical leader’s job is to focus on the overall significance of ethics,
including ethical standards and other ethical issues, and how those
factors that influence society. As a, ethical leader, educating peers
about ethics is crucial, particularly in cases where they face an ethical
issue at work.
c. Hire people with similar values
Although your views need to be identical to those lor your workers,
you should be able to establish common ground with them. This often
starts with the hiring process and is sustained through a declaration of
vision.

d. Promote open communication

Each subordinate is different although they share similarities. Be
open with every decision you make, and seek input from your team. It
makes you become a better letter and helps you feel more comfortable
in expressing your thoughts or concerns with your subordinates.
Collecting inputs from your team will help you improve as a leader and
will push the organization forward.
Good ethical practitioners tend to be good communicators.
Individual interacts differently . Some may feel comfortable speaking
in public, irrespective of staff or circumstance, while others ay refuse
to talk with a leader due to fear, anxiety or simple not knowing how to
express what they are trying to say. They could speak better via email,
rather than in person.

Communicating with each member of the team is an ethical leader’s

task but also allowing for open conversation, as some people may have
questions and concerns that need to be answered. Creating
camaraderie with your team is vital to the leaders. Relationships of
quality appear to be founded upon honesty , justice, dignity,
transparency, compassion and respect.
e. Beware of Bias
As people, many of us have antiquated or mistaken convictions,
subconscious or otherwise. Every leader want to admit to their shortcomings
but failure to practice self-awareness will lead to detrimental effects. Everyone
has prejudice, but you haven’t been called on for the longest time, because
you’ve never really been tested. Leaders need to look at themselves and be
honest in fact having prejudices that can impinge on the feeling of ease at
work or another person. For you to build and maintain better relationships with
your subordinates, be an open minded leader.
f. Lead by Example
Leading by example is a noble attribute of a leader. The best way to ensure
an ethical organization is to lead by example. It is important to remember as an
ethical leader, that actions always speaks louder than words. People are more
likely to judge others rather than what they say, based on how they behave.
Ethical leaders may begin to earn the respect of their peers by
practicing and demonstrating the use of ethical , truthful, and unselfish
conduct to subordinates.
g. Find Your Role Models
In history, there are many leaders, doing a little study of strong,
powerful leaders and trying to identify what they are doing well. Then
incorporate it into their own style of leadership.
h. Care for yourself so you are able to care for others
As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” The
cornerstone for strong leadership is to have a calm and competent
disposition. This can be done by ensuring that you, as a person, are
focused on fulfilling you own needs such as sleep, nutrition and a true
relationship with loved ones.
It may seem easy to devote time to self-care, but ultimately it’s crucial
to improving your leadership abilities. The leader who is happy and
satisfied with life seeks peace and fulfillment for those they lead.
IMPACTS OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
Ethical leaders will help to build a healthy atmosphere through
constructive partnerships at three levels: the individual, the team, and
the organization at large. Nurturing connections at each of these
levels will result in the following outcomes and benefits.
1. The well-being of the Individual
A strong ethical leader has an important responsibility for
maintaining a positive working environment. Ethical leaders leading by
example should persuade others to do likewise. People are generally
influenced by the things occuring around them. Good contact between
colleagues can help to influence efficiency and attitude in the
workplace.
2. The Energy of the Team
Ethical leadership can also include behavior control and co-operation within
a team. In the workplace, morale usually is stronger when people get along
with each other. When colleagues work as a team, this can help build
relationships in the workplace and improve the group’s overall performance.
Strong leaders usually leady by example.
3. The Health of the Organization
The value of maintaining a positive mindset in the workplace has much to do
with improving the organization’s overall health. When people are able to
show respect for each other and value the views of others , this can help to
create a productive work climate. There can be an ethical organization when
people’s groups work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect , where
they can develop individually, build firendships and contribute to the overall
objective.
THE 4-V MODEL OF ETHICAL LEADERESHIP
The 4-V model aims to reconcile internal beliefs and values for the
common good with external behaviors and actions.
The 4-Vs stand for :
1. Values
2. Vision
3. Voice and
4. Virtue
These characteristics help to build a strong ethical leader. In the end,
an ethical leader‘s main goal is to create a world in which the future is
positive, inclusive and allows all individuals to pursue and fulfill their
needs and fulfill their maximum potential.
VALUES FORMATION IN LEADERSHIP
Values is not a subject that has been talked about so often but one
that plays an important role in acts and performance. Because
values are personal and not always clearly defined, they remain an
essential but under-discussed and undervalued part of who you are
as an individual and as a leader.
Everyone has values, and when clearly understood and established, they
become much more important. To get the most out of what happens, the
best initial step would be to identify your valued and write down those that
are most important to you.
REASONS WHY VALUES MATTER TO LEADERS
1. Values Guide your Decisions
You have a lot of decisions to make as a dictator, those that only
affect you and those that impact many others. Once you start with
your principles, choices, big or small, can be taken faster, simpler and
with greater confidence. Go to your choices against your merit
scheme. It’s the best place to start.
2. Values strengthens your ability to influence.
If you associate with your beliefs, you are communicating with your
passions. People are drawn to you when you speak with passion, they
are more likely to hear your message and you will be more successful
in persuading and influencing. As a leader, it should be self-evident
why this is vital to your values.
3. Values Create Clarity
When you’re happier your life is simpler in so many ways. Clarity
helps you concentrate, make yourself more successful and much more.
One of the fastest ways in your life to achieve clarity is to be clear
about your belief first. If you work from this point of departure all the
other clarification advantages will follow.

4. Values Reduces Stress

The majority of people I know want less tension in their lives. It’s
doubly important as a leader because your tension is infectious-it
infects those around you. It’s easier to communicate when the choices
are smoother, and you’re clearer about issued that you’ll have less
tension. In the past you may not have been talking about values in this
way; but, it is absolutely true that living from your values is a great way
to reduce stress.
5. Values Guide your Actions

Knowing and understanding your beliefs, is one thing. Behave

according to them is another matter. This reality has an effect on al
the ideas that have been shared so far, because all the advantages are
achieved when you recognize and then act upon your beliefs. Of those
advantages, this is the most practical. Your beliefs are what drive your
actions.
While it helps to define who you are, having clear beliefs can be so
much more useful on a daily basis. It allows you to be more
successful, efficient and confident leader by being clear on your values.
THANK YOU!
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UNDERSTANDING MANAGEMENT