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Ethical Leadership Matters

 

Palmer House, Chicago

When was the last time that your integrity was tested?

As leaders, we are often tempted to cut corners, to shave edges. A little compromise here or there, often in the interest of the bigger mission, seems justified. Who'll notice? What's the harm? Rounding out the numbers on a late night report for example. Or fudging that expense report just a little so that your best performer can get that invoice approved faster. Or, not confronting a clear case of harassment because the harasser is one of your friends. These are just small, inconsequential things, right?

Wrong. Ethics may be open to both interpretation and circumstances, but one of our biggest problems these days is that the boundaries have blurred so far as to be indistinguishable. It feels like anything goes.

That's no way to lead. That's no way to improve the world. Ethics, and integrity, matter as much as ever. 

That means we have to pay attention. We as leaders must be careful, oh so very careful, of any compromise. How will we feel about our decision a week from now, a year from now, a decade from now? 

Ethical leadership requires diligence


Ethical leadership requires diligence. Expect your integrity to be tested every single day.

Rise to the challenge. Ace that test.

-- doug smith


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