LEADERSHIP ETHICS - TRAITS OF AN ETHICAL LEADER

Ethics refer to the desirable and appropriate values and morals according to an individual or the society at large. Ethics deal with the purity of individuals and their intentions. Ethics serve as guidelines for analysing “what is good or bad” in a specific scenario. Correlating ethics with leadership, we find that ethics is all about the leader’s identity and the leader’s role.

Ethical theories on leadership talk about two main things:

(a) The actions and behaviour of leaders; and

(b) the personality and character of leaders.

It is essential to realise that “Ethics are an essential to leadership”. A leader drives and influences the subordinates / followers to achieve a common goal, be it in case of teamwork, organisational quest, or any project. It is an ethical job of the leader to treat his subordinates with respect as each of them has unique personality. The ethical environment in an organisation is built and developed by a leader as they have an influential role in the organisation and due to the fact that leaders have an influence in developing the organisational values.

An effective and ethical leader has the following traits / characteristics:

Dignity and respect: He/she respects others. An ethical leader should not use his followers as a medium to achieve his/her personal goals. He/she should respect their feelings, decision and values. Respecting the followers implies listening effectively to them, being compassionate to them, as well as being liberal in hearing opposing viewpoints. In short, it implies treating the followers in a manner that authenticate their values and beliefs.

Serving others: He/she serves others. An ethical leader should place his/her follower’s interests ahead of his interests. He/she should be humane. He/she must act in a manner that is always fruitful for his/her followers.

Integrity: He/she is fair and just. An ethical leader must treat all his/her followers equally. There should be no personal bias. Wherever some followers are treated differently, the ground for differential treatment should be fair, clear, and built on morality.

Community building: He/she develops community. An ethical leader considers his own purpose as well as his/her followers’ purpose, while making efforts to achieve the goals suitable to both of them. He/she is considerate to the community interests. He/she does not overlook the followers’ intentions. He/she works harder for the community goals.

Honesty: He/she is loyal and honest. Honesty is essential to be an ethical and effective leader. Honest leaders can be always relied upon and depended upon. They always earn respect of their followers. An honest leader presents the fact and circumstances truly and completely, no matter how critical and harmful the fact may be. He/she does not misrepresent any fact.

It is essential to note that leadership is all about values, and it is impossible to be a leader if you lack the awareness and concern for your own personal values.