Courage and Moral Leadership 1 Moral Leadership “Wrong is wrong, no mater who does it or says it.” “Have the Courage to stand up for your values” Malcolm X 2 TOP THREE THINGS FOLLOWERS WANT FROM THEIR LEADERS 1)_____________________ 2)_____________________ 3) _____________________ 3 • “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions COURAGEOUSLY and honestly.” • ~Albert Einstein • 4 Unethical vrs Ethical Leadership • Moral Leadership – – Is about distinguishing right from wrong and doing right, seeking the just, the honest, the good, and the right conduct in achieving goals and attaining your VISION. 5 Unethical Leadership • Leader sets the tone • Selfish greed • 82% of CEOs said they lied about their golf scores • Disrespect others • Take credit for successes but blame others for failures • Do not speak up when things are wrong 6 . 6.1 Comparing Unethical Versus Ethical Leadership Ex The Unethical Leader The Ethical Leader • • • • • • • • • • • • Is arrogant and self-serving Excessively promotes self-interest Practices deception Breaches agreements Deals unfairly Shifts blame to others Diminishes others’ dignity Neglects follower development Withholds help and support Lacks courage to confront unjust acts • • • • • • • • Possesses humility Maintains concern for the greater good Is honest and straightforward Fulfills commitments Strives for fairness Takes responsibility Shows respect for each individual Encourages and develops others Serves others Shows courage to stand up for what is right 7 Ex. 6.2 How to Act Like a Moral Leader 1. 2. Develop, articulate, and uphold high moral principles. Focus on what is right for the organization as well as all the people involved. 3. Set the example you want others to live by. 4. Be honest with yourself and others. 5. Drive out fear and eliminate undiscussables. 6. Establish and communicate ethics policies. 7. Develop a backbone – show zero tolerance for ethical violations. 8. Reward ethical conduct. 9. Treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect, from the lowest to the highest level of the organization. 10. Do the right thing in both your private and professional life – even when no one is looking. 8 Moral Leadership Distinguishing right from wrong and doing right; seeking the just, honest, and good in the practice of leadership 9 . 6.4 Three Levels of Personal Moral Development Ex Level 3: Postconventional Level 2: Conventional Level 1: Preconventional Follows rules to avoid punishment. Acts in own interest. Blind obedience to authority for its own sake. Lives up to expectations of others. Fulfills duties and obligations of social system. Upholds laws. Follows internalized universal principles of justice and right. Balances concern for self with concern for others and the common good. Acts in an independent and ethical manner regardless of expectations of others. 10 11 Stewardship A belief that leaders are deeply accountable to others as well as to the organization, without trying to control others, define meaning and purpose for others, or take care of others. 12 Traditional Org Chart Leaders on TOP 13 Stewardship Leaders on Bottom 14 “It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead….” Robert Greenleaf 15 Servant Leadership Leadership in which the leader transcends selfinterest to serve the needs of others, help others grow, and provide opportunities for others to gain materially and emotionally 16 Servant Leadership • Put service to others before your own interests • Listen first • Be trustworthy • Encourage others and help them achive their goals 17 THE TRUE LEADER “Leadership has strong ethical overtones, with the central premise being that true leadership is service to others! Robert Greenleaf 18 Courage • The ability to step forward through fear – Accepting responsibility – Going against the status quo – Taking responsibility for mistakes/failures – Pushing beyond the comfort zone – Asking for what you want – Saying what you think – Fighting for what you believe in 19 Six principles of Building TRUST • • • • • • Deal openly with everyone Consider all points of view Keep promises Give responsibility as well as authority Listen to understand (using dialogue) Demonstrate that YOU CARE about people – (* Do Exercise 3-2 p 313) 20 Courage in Application to Moral Leadership • • • • • • • Requires personal courage Opposing unethical conduct Finding personal courage Believe in a higher purpose Draw strength from others Welcome failure Harness frustration and anger 21 To Practice Moral Leadership You Must: • Connect/True Concern with/for people • Practice Stewardship • Provide Equity and justice to all • Self-understanding 22 Unethical Climate In U.S. Businesses • Consequences of unethical and illegal behavior: – Difficulty in attracting good employees – Customers find other businesses – Investors withdraw their support 23 Whistleblowing Employee disclosure of illegal, immoral, or unethical practices in the organization 24