As a leader, how do you foster a clear and consistent moral and ethical culture?
I’ve been writing about this in recent posts, here, and here. To be sure, questioning moral or ethical viewpoints can trigger defensiveness, outrage, and even aggression toward those who think differently. Such negative responses end up blocking behavioral improvement. However, leaders have the privilege and responsibility to be clear and consistent about their standards and expectations, as well as their own choices and behaviors.
When this topic comes up in my work as an executive coach, we review and discuss:
- Leadership development practices. These must include programs on ethical reasoning and decision making. This must be an ongoing process, not a one-shot affair at fulfilling a requirement. The most effective leadership development programs include coaching and/or mentoring, where issues of personal ethics and moral responsibility are explored and aligned with organizational values.
- Leadership programs. These must include selection, development, evaluation and rewards policies that align with and support the values of the organization. When a person is selected for promotion or is rewarded, the organization is making a statement: this person represents our values and standards.
Speak Up
There are powerful forces—economic, political, social, and cultural—that may lead us to feel powerless to oppose immoral or unethical behavior. It may seem easier to go along to get along. Of course, each person must weigh alternatives and make choices in light of personal values and goals, but also with consideration to organizational and professional success. Clearly, there are times when we must speak up.
As we manage and recover from the pandemic and leaders wake up to needed reforms, there will be an increased emphasis on the need for leadership development programs that include coaching on ethical and moral values. There must be a drive for ethical responsibility if organizations are to thrive.
What do you think? How do you foster a clear and consistent moral and ethical culture? I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me here, on LinkedIn, or give me a call: 561-582-6060.
