Ethical Leadership Paper

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Ethical leadership and personal integrity are key components in determining the ethical culture of an organization. Moreover, leaders are integral components in the establishment of strong organizational integrity, which leads to the creation of strong ethical pathways that are consistent with the organization’s mission, vision and values (Gilbert, 2007). This paper will explore the ethical leadership of a leader I know, as well as, my commitment to personal integrity. This exploration will occur through the utilization of diagnostic tools provided in Gilbert’s Strengthening Ethical Wisdom (2007). I was not surprised by the results of the diagnostic tool when evaluating the Ethical Leadership of a leader I know. The total score I gave …show more content…

Gilbert (2007) defines personal integrity as “A state of wholeness and peace experienced when our goals, actions, and decisions are consistent with our most cherished values” (5). Personal Integrity has always been incredibly important to me. It is my integrity that defines who I am and how I will be remembered. The total score I gave myself on this diagnostic was 4.3 (4.5 for personal legacy, 4.5 for mindfulness and 4.3 for choice). I identified with Gilbert (2007) when he stated that “a career of significance contains the following three elements: (1) it is an expression of personal legacy; (2) it demonstrates that legacy through the example we set; and (3) it keeps faith with the future we seek to create, even in difficult circumstances” (178). I can think of no greater accomplishment than for my legacy to be a career of …show more content…

According to Gilbert (2007), “without consistency of ethical leadership from top to bottom, employees will receive mixed messages, will become doubtful of the organization’s commitment to its vision, mission, and values, and may or may not choose ethical behaviors or make ethical decisions” (69). A lack of ethical leadership will lead to the ethical erosion of an organization which could ultimately lead to organizational failure. I also realized that a leader needs to possess all four of the disciplines of ethical leadership: Noble purpose, Ceaseless Ambition, Candor and Passion (Gilbert, 2007). Prior to this assignment, I had not associated ambition and passion with ethical leadership; I knew they were both important leadership traits but not in association with ethics. However, I now understand that without the driving force of an ambitious and passionate leader, an organization will not move forward or progress. Simply having a noble purpose is not sufficient. My senior leader’s perceived lack of ambition and passion sent the message to leaders and staff that she was detached, disconnected and unapproachable. By not being connected at the point of service, leaders can miss subtle changes in culture that can be destructive to the organization and to their leadership. Strong ethical wisdom and thereby,

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