Ethical leadership requires a consistency of behavior and attitude that can be challenged each day. Ethical leaders have boundaries within which to operate. They serve as role models to others inside of the organization, and outside of the organization, as to what behavior is acceptable.
The above commentary probably will never make national headlines. The reason is it makes too much sense for it to go completely viral. Taken from Dale Carnegie’s Training Course entitled, Ethical Leadership, it still is powerful. But then again, common sense is never sensational.
In recent days we have seen across Michigan, the nation and the world, an open letter of resignation from an employee of a Wall Street Investment Bank who wrote about culture, ideals and moral standards. The focus was that an organization’s concern over profitability eliminated the concern for client welfare.
It is very interesting to note that within the philosophy of Dale Carnegie, profit is the byproduct of aligning client goals with both trust and service. This mission, within a blend of culture, people, and identity, truly define organic success. Unfortunately, it will never make the evening news; but what a powerful message it is for everyone in leadership; not just here in the Detroit area, but everywhere. Ideals, culture, high moral standards, integrity, and humility indeed matter. People get paid just as well in this kind of corporate environment as they do in a selfish one.
There are no shortcuts to success. Leaders must lead and be influencers in both humbleness and culture. When an employee is so focused on getting paid, and the client becomes a tool rather than a person, it is not the fault of that employee. It is the fact that the leadership and the corporate ideals have dissolved.
Rather than, how much money did we make from this client? The real question is, how much value did we bring to the client? Ethics are at the core of every truly successful business. That should be in the headlines.
In conjunction with this article, Leadership Advantage, with the focus of leadership and mission, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27 in Novi. Click on the title and register.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @MIcarnegie
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