Your scholarly activity for Unit I is to write a leadership reflection involving the qualities necessary in an ethical leader. Include the following three components in your scholarly activity:
In your introduction, describe the qualities you believe are necessary in an ethical leader. Provide support from the textbook for your point of view, and explain why a leader should display these qualities in order to be considered ethical. Identify someone you believe embodies these qualities in her or his leadership, and provide examples of the relevant behavior. Provide an example of someone whom you believe does not possess these qualities, and describe that person’s leadership.
At least one of your exemplars—positive leader or negative leader—must be someone from public life about whom details have been reported in credible sources. Your completed scholarly activity must be at least two pages in length. You are required to use at least two outside sources, one of which may be your course textbook. Adhere to APA Style when creating citations and references for this assignment.
Full Answer Section
Essential Qualities of an Ethical Leader:
- Integrity and Honesty: This fundamental quality demands consistency between words and actions. Leaders must be truthful, transparent, and hold themselves accountable for their choices. As Stephen Covey states in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," integrity is "choosing courage over comfort" (Covey, 2004, p. 135). It builds trust and encourages others to be honest and ethical as well.
- Justice and Fairness: Ethical leaders strive to treat everyone with fairness and equity, regardless of their position, background, or beliefs. This involves making decisions based on merit and objective considerations, avoiding bias and favoritism. John Maxwell, in his book "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership," emphasizes that leaders "earn the right to lead by serving first" (Maxwell, 2012, p. 57). By demonstrating fairness, leaders foster a culture of trust and respect, where everyone feels valued and heard.
- Compassion and Empathy: Ethical leaders possess the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. They actively listen to concerns, show genuine care, and offer support where needed. According to Daniel Goleman, author of "Emotional Intelligence," empathy is "the fundamental human ability to understand another person's feelings" (Goleman, 2006, p. 32). It allows leaders to build strong relationships, create a positive work environment, and motivate others to excel.
- Courage and Conviction: Ethical leaders stand firm for their values, even when faced with pressure or criticism. They are willing to speak up against injustice and make difficult decisions when necessary. As James Kouzes and Barry Posner write in "The Leadership Challenge," "courage is the ability to do what's right even when it's difficult, scary, or unpopular" (Kouzes & Posner, 2012, p. 111). Courageous leaders inspire others to be brave and take principled stands, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
- Humility and Openness to Feedback: Ethical leaders recognize their limitations and are open to learning from others. They actively seek feedback and are receptive to constructive criticism. As Brené Brown argues in "Dare to Lead," "vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change" (Brown, 2018, p. 84). Humble leaders create a safe space for open communication and collaboration, leading to better decision-making and improved outcomes.
Exemplars of Ethical Leadership:
Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela's leadership embodied the essence of ethical leadership. He fought against racial injustice with unwavering integrity and courage. He prioritized justice and fairness, leading South Africa towards reconciliation and forgiveness. His compassion and empathy for his people were evident in his efforts to address poverty and inequality. His humility and openness to feedback allowed him to learn from others and build strong relationships. Mandela's legacy serves as a powerful example of how ethical leadership can transform societies.
Greta Thunberg: Greta Thunberg's activism against climate change demonstrates the courage and conviction necessary for ethical leadership. Her unwavering commitment to the cause, despite facing criticism and ridicule, inspires millions around the world. Her focus on justice and fairness emphasizes the need for action to address the climate crisis, which disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. By speaking truth to power and holding leaders accountable, Thunberg demonstrates the power of ethical leadership to create positive change.
Negative Leadership Example:
Harvey Weinstein: Harvey Weinstein's leadership stands as a stark contrast to the principles of ethical leadership. His abuse of power and exploitation of others revealed a lack of integrity, honesty, and compassion. His actions were driven by self-interest and devoid of any regard for fairness or justice. Weinstein's case serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the devastating consequences of unethical leadership, which can erode trust, create toxic work environments, and ultimately lead to downfall.
Conclusion:
Ethical leadership is not merely an ideal; it is a necessity for building strong, sustainable, and equitable societies. Leaders who embody integrity, justice, compassion, courage, humility, and openness to feedback inspire trust, motivate others, and pave the way for a better future. By recognizing and cultivating these essential qualities, we can empower ourselves and others to become ethical leaders who leave a positive and lasting impact on the world.
Sample Answer
The Essence of Ethical Leadership: A Reflection on Necessary Qualities
Ethical leadership lies at the heart of successful and impactful organizations. It goes beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations; it embodies a commitment to doing what is right, even when it's difficult, and inspiring others to do the same. The qualities that define an ethical leader are not merely virtues; they are the cornerstones of trust, respect, and sustainable growth.