Rag from suspect’s head Center for Creative Leadership Leading Effectively e-Newsletter - December 2008 Issue Do the Right Thing 10 Rules for Leading Ethically [email protected] It's been all too easy to criticize the unethical behaviors of business and political leaders these days. But if your company isn't among those generating scandal and scorn, consider yourself warned. Lapses in ethical judgment occur every day in our organizations and, likely, in our private lives. Ethical leadership isn't about avoiding the worst behaviors. It isn't about technically following laws and regulations. Ethics determines fair and honest behavior and establishes boundaries about how we relate to each other. In that sense, the only way for people to work well together, and to have good professional and personal relationships, is to think and act in an ethical way." To reclaim ethical leadership for yourself & your organization -> Rules for Ethical Leadership 1. The rule of mindfulness. Pay attention! Mindfulness means being attuned to what is going on and then reflecting (without judgment) on the impact your decisions have on others. Organizational mindfulness requires connecting mindful people together to help others in the organization achieve greater congruence between their intentions and outcomes. 2. The rule of respecting others. Recognize and reward the positive intent of others in their actions. It helps create a culture of appreciation and encourages support. But don't leave out self-respect. It is true that you must respect yourself before others can respect you. 3. The rule of engagement. Take the high ground. Understand the limitations, strengths and circumstances under which you initiate and manage your interactions with others. Engage others by being prepared, polite and positive. 4. The rule of wisdom. Let your wisdom govern your actions and decisions. Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting. Sometimes, it is merely common sense and good judgment, blended with a smart plan and clear course of action. Wisdom is usually considered to be a trait that can be developed through experience but not taught. 5. The rule of action. Respond in a timely way to any unethical behavior you observe or receive information about. Stop any inappropriate activity and rectify the situation immediately. Action requires clear intention. Knowing why you are taking action is a considered response rather than a reaction. 6. The rule of power. Know your power and use it well. Power is a person's ability to influence others. Through influence, you spread ideas, set direction, make choices and guide outcomes. All these require accountability and honesty. 7. The rule of dialogue. Talk about ethics and keep the conversation going. Encourage people to understand the full meaning of ethics by talking about it in staff meetings and other work- related areas. Create ongoing communication, ...

1. Rag from suspect’s head
Center for Creative Leadership Leading Effectively e-
Newsletter - December 2008 Issue
Do the Right Thing 10 Rules for Leading Ethically
[email protected]
It's been all too easy to criticize the unethical behaviors of
business and political leaders these days.
But if your company isn't among those generating scandal and
scorn, consider yourself warned.
Lapses in ethical judgment occur every day in our organizations
and, likely, in our private lives.
Ethical leadership isn't about avoiding the worst behaviors. It
isn't about technically following laws
and regulations. Ethics determines fair and honest behavior and
establishes boundaries about how
we relate to each other. In that sense, the only way for people to
work well together, and to have
good professional and personal relationships, is to think and act
in an ethical way."

2. To reclaim ethical leadership for yourself & your organization -
> Rules for Ethical Leadership
1. The rule of mindfulness. Pay attention! Mindfulness means
being attuned to what is going on
and then reflecting (without judgment) on the impact your
decisions have on others.
Organizational mindfulness requires connecting mindful people
together to help others in the
organization achieve greater congruence between their
intentions and outcomes.
2. The rule of respecting others. Recognize and reward the
positive intent of others in their
actions. It helps create a culture of appreciation and encourages
support. But don't leave out
self-respect. It is true that you must respect yourself before
others can respect you.
3. The rule of engagement. Take the high ground. Understand
the limitations, strengths and
circumstances under which you initiate and manage your
interactions with others. Engage
others by being prepared, polite and positive.
4. The rule of wisdom. Let your wisdom govern your actions
and decisions. Wisdom is the ability
to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting. Sometimes, it
is merely common sense and
good judgment, blended with a smart plan and clear course of
action. Wisdom is usually
considered to be a trait that can be developed through
experience but not taught.
5. The rule of action. Respond in a timely way to any unethical
behavior you observe or receive

3. information about. Stop any inappropriate activity and rectify
the situation immediately. Action
requires clear intention. Knowing why you are taking action is a
considered response rather than
a reaction.
6. The rule of power. Know your power and use it well. Power
is a person's ability to influence
others. Through influence, you spread ideas, set direction, make
choices and guide outcomes.
All these require accountability and honesty.
7. The rule of dialogue. Talk about ethics and keep the
conversation going. Encourage people to
understand the full meaning of ethics by talking about it in staff
meetings and other work-
related areas. Create ongoing communication, rather than
attempting to reach some conclusion
or express personal viewpoints.
8. The rule of acting without self-interest. Place high value on
the fact that other people are
actual or potential co-workers, peers, bosses, customers and
neighbors. When we act with the
best interest of others in mind, we enjoy less conflict, easier
problem solving and a greater
sense of trust.
9. The rule of listening. Learn to listen. Most of us take
listening for granted, so we don't work
very hard at improving it. But effective listening doesn't just
happen; it takes a great deal of
purpose. It's hard work and requires your complete attention.
10. The rule of safety. Protect others. Safety is the condition of
being protected against physical

4. harm - socially, spiritually, financially, politically and
emotionally. Strive to do no harm and make
certain that people around you have a safe harbor to do what is
right.
UD SBA / Walk The Talk
Suggestions To Assist In Considering A Case Or Ethical
Situation
“Resolved”
• Review the details & background of the case
• Identify the Ethical problem, issue or conflict case presents
• Generate possible
Solution
s
• State probable Outcomes of each main solution
• Describe Likely impact of each solution on people’s lives
• Explain Values upheld & violated by each main solution
• Evaluate the values, outcomes, likely impact of solutions
• Decide which solution is best & justify your decision
• Defend the decision against any weaknesses

5. Useful Ethical Principles to Consider
Rules:
• Do not deceive
• Do not harm others
• Keep promises and act faithfully
• Permit and encourage others to act rationally and freely
• Keep confidential information in proper circles
• Do not violate the law
Respect Rights to:
• Knowledge. Hidden defects in product I am considering
purchasing
• Privacy / Due Process / Safety
• Free Expression of Opinions / Complaints
Consider Types of Justice / Fairness:
• Procedural: insure a fair chance at due process
• Compensatory: fair compensation for harm done
• Retributive: punishment received as deserved
• Distributive: fair distribution of benefits & burdens in

6. society
Four Basic Elements of a Capitalist System:
• Profit: right to earn & keep earnings from business dealings
over & beyond the
cost of doing business
• Private Property: right to own property & dispose of it as the
owner sees fit
• Competition: striving after the same goal, profit, or market by
more than one
individual or business
• Fairness or Justice: the principle that keeps the competition
legal, ethical, open ,
fair & honest.
Religious & / or Humanitarian Ideals:
• The Golden Rule
• Beneficence – desire / commitment to make the world better