Leading in Context

MAY 2, 2012

Laws serve as minimum standards for society, but responsible leadership requires that we go well beyond those minimum standards. As the leaders who will help shape the future of our businesses and our societies through small actions and big decisions, we need a global sense of responsibility. This post explores what it means to be a globally responsible leader and what kinds of learning opportunities help leaders develop a global sense of responsibility.

Globalization 241

Globalization Development Leadership Ethics 241

Leading in Context

NOVEMBER 14, 2012

By Linda Fisher Thornton What is Conscious Capitalism? In last week’s post, I explored how Ethics Means Acting Beyond Self Interest. This week, I’ll explore the same question at the organizational level. What are an organization’s ethical responsibilities? How is conscious capitalism a way to understand them? Ethical Leadership is to the Moral Leader as Conscious Capitalism [.].

Ethics 237

Ethics Morale Leadership Organization 237

Leading in Context

JULY 25, 2012

Preparing For Ethical Leadership Preparing leaders for ethical leadership is a long-term process. It requires careful thought about the messages we are sending. For example, what message are we sending when we separate ethics training from other leadership training? The Risks of "Separate" Ethics Training I believe that we take an unnecessary risk when we separate ethics training from the rest of a leader's development.

Ethics 237

Ethics Leadership Long-term Training 237

Leading in Context

JUNE 20, 2012

Leading Through Complexity and Uncertainty In The Center For Creative Leadership's White Paper, The Future of Leadership Development, Nick Petrie describes the new work environment as "typified by an increased level of complexity and interconnectedness." This new work environment requires new leadership skills, including a willingness to lead when the situation is complex and the outcome uncertain.

White Paper 236

White Paper Uncertainty Environment Creativity 236

Leading in Context

MAY 30, 2012

Diversity of Ideas Provides Perspective When dealing with complexity, we need fresh thinking. We need to listen to all ideas that may help, regardless of where they come from in the organization. That involves giving up the notion that we are "right.".

Creativity 235

Creativity Diversity Organization Ethics 235

Leading in Context

AUGUST 22, 2012

By Linda Fisher Thornton Why do we tend to think that conflict is something negative, something that we must prevent? Why we Need Conflict Experienced leaders have learned that too little conflict in meetings is a warning sign that not all of the important points are being heard.

Learning-by-Doing 234

Learning-by-Doing Ethics Organization Leadership 234

Leading in Context

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

10 Ways to Avoid the "Rightness" Trap There were quite a few responses to last week's post about "rightness, Is Needing to Be "Right" Unethical?, which seemed to strike a chord with readers. These are just 10 of the themes raised by readers in their comment. Collectively, these themes represent 10 ways to avoid falling into the "rightness" trap.

Ethics 234

Ethics Leadership Development Development Leadership 234

Leading in Context

SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

by Linda Fisher Thornton We Like to be "Right" Why do we sometimes abandon civility? One reason is that when the discussion gets heated, sometimes we just like to be "right." And sometimes we abandon civility to try to prove that we are.

Ethics 231

Ethics Training Leadership 231

Leading in Context

JUNE 6, 2012

Customers shop globally now, and when they buy, they compare products more and more often based on ethics. In addition to shopping cautiously during the recession when money is tight, there's also a trend toward thinking about how each purchase impacts the global community and the planet.

Ethics 231

Ethics Brand Trends Globalization 231

Leading in Context

OCTOBER 24, 2012

Twitter helps us learn to "think global" in a connected global society. It can transform us and the way we do business. It keeps us current, connects us with a global network of information and provides real-time data. I've sprinkled in some statistics along with my own observations about the learning benefits of Twitter.

Globalization 231

Globalization Information Ethics Trends 231

Leading in Context

APRIL 18, 2012

Developing Business Leader Future In response to the post "Business Leader Future: A Sketch" Graham posted a question about how we support leaders who are learning to lead in the ways described in that post. ?

Ethics 231

Ethics How To Development Organization 231

Leading in Context

OCTOBER 31, 2012

Diversity can be Divisive When we talk about diversity, we are noticing differences. That may not seem like a profound statement at first, but think about it for a moment. Diversity is about having different types of employees, right? And that's a good thing for productivity and innovation, isn't it? It is a good thing. But it's not enough. Managing diversity without inclusion as the ultimate goal can make a big difference in the way employees experience our organization.

Diversity 230

Diversity Innovation Goal Organization 230

Leading in Context

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

Leading in a Complex Global Context I did some research about global trends and challenges and how they will change the way we lead in the future. The answers I found explain why we sometimes feel that we're in a perpetual state of disequilibrium.

Trends 230

Trends Globalization Ethics Management 230

Leading in Context

AUGUST 8, 2012

by Linda Fisher Thornton The Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary defines civility as "polite, reasonable, and respectful behavior." These are the kinds of behaviors we use when we treat others with care. According to Michael Brannigan, The Pfaff Endowed Chair in Ethics and Moral Values at the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY., "Ethics deals fundamentally with how we treat each other on a daily basis.

Ethics 228

Ethics Morale Politics Organization 228

Leading in Context

JULY 11, 2012

What is Collaborative Leadership? What does collaborative leadership look like in a global society? At the societal level it's taking the best that all of us know and can do and putting it together in ways that help everyone.

Globalization 226

Globalization Leadership Ethics Training 226

Leading in Context

FEBRUARY 29, 2012

What is the Precautionary Principle? Simply stated, the Precautionary Principle asks us to err on the side of caution. Following the Precautionary Principle as business leaders, for example, we would avoid using product ingredients that may be harmful in addition to avoiding those that we know are harmful. We would do more than simply follow the law - we would make the decision that would be in the best long-term interests of our customers and other stakeholders.

Long-term 227

Long-term Examples Productivity Products 227

Leading in Context

MARCH 28, 2012

The well worn path that we have followed for years is easy to follow. We know the rules, the processes, the tools, the pitfalls and all other aspects of that path. Our comfort with that path makes it harder for us to see that even though the 'way we have always done things' has led us to success in the past, it may not in the future.

Tools 226

Tools Process Succession Ethics 226

Leading in Context

DECEMBER 5, 2012

By Linda Fisher Thornton 100 Trends to Watch For 2013 As we head into 2013, the trend reports at the links below will give you a “business leader’s preview” of what to expect in sectors that range from consumer trends, human resources, leadership and marketing to color, food, and technology. Enjoy! 10 Crucial Consumer Trends [.].

Trends 223

Trends Human Resources Report Technology 223

Leading in Context

DECEMBER 12, 2012

What we think influences how we behave. We could even say that our thinking is in essence an "ethical driver" in that it affects the other variables that make up our leadership.

Ethics 222

Ethics Influence Examples Leadership 222

Leading in Context

MAY 9, 2012

Is your workplace high stress? Do people treat each other in disrespectful ways? It just may surprise you to know that "behaviors that we once thought of as annoyances or different leadership styles are causing harm to people and businesses.".

Ethics 223

Ethics Leadership Styles Stress Leadership 223

Leading in Context

MARCH 7, 2012

How Much Homework is Too Much? As we build awareness about learning, motivation and the general well-being of children, more people are beginning to wonder if the way we use homework is part of the solution or part of the problem.

Motivation 222

Motivation Ethics Globalization Organization 222

Leading in Context

JUNE 27, 2012

Discouraging Unethical Leadership. The senior leaders in an organization need to work together to create an organization where ethical leadership is rewarded and unethical leadership is quickly corrected. To build an ethical organization over time, Chief Learning Officers can work with leaders throughout the organization to build ethical competence in areas that support effective communication and leadership.

Ethics 220

Ethics Organization Leadership Globalization 220

Leading in Context

MAY 16, 2012

Are We Moving Toward a "Global Society"? To imagine the world as a global society we must look at the issue from a view that is many levels above our day-to-day routines and our sometimes mechanical responses to our day-to-day challenges.

Globalization 220

Globalization Ethics Leadership Trends 220

Leading in Context

SEPTEMBER 19, 2012

By Linda Fisher Thornton To Innovate, Rethink the Blueprint If we just try to make something better using the design blueprint that we've always used, it is very difficult to innovate. Using the blueprint we have used in the past ties us to the assumptions and limitations of those blueprints.

Innovation 219

Innovation Ethics Leadership Development Development 219

Leading in Context

AUGUST 29, 2012

By Linda Fisher Thornton Author's Note: In a previous post, Civility is an Ethical Issue, I explained why civility is an ethical issue. In this post I'll explore the connection between civility and openness to learning. Moving From Tolerance to Civility in Conversation It seems that "civility" has come to mean something closer to the word "tolerance" in everyday conversation.

Ethics 219

Ethics Morale Human Resources Trends 219

Leading in Context

JULY 18, 2012

by Linda Fisher Thornton Developing Leaders Pays Off Ongoing development for leaders helps companies. According to several recent reports, businesses that invest in leadership development enjoy clear advantages. These advantages include improved bench strength, improved talent retention and greater market value over time.

Leadership Development 219

Leadership Development Development Leadership Report 219

Leading in Context

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

by Linda Fisher Thornton Human Rights and Morality Business leaders have a clear responsibility to honor universal human rights. In their article The Moral Foundations of Ethical Leadership in the Values Based Leadership Journal, Hester and Killian remind us that “morality is inclusive, emphasizing human rights and dignity, respectful of diversity.” Addressing Human Rights Risks [.].

Morale 217

Morale Ethics Diversity Article 217

Leading in Context

JANUARY 11, 2012

What is the Purpose of Management Education? The purpose of management education is obviously to develop capable and responsible managers. But what does that mean?

Education 226

Education Management Development Ethics 226

Leading in Context

MARCH 14, 2012

How Well are We Doing? For those who want to be able to assess their progress toward ethical standards, this week I'm sharing tools for comparing business practices with global ethical standards.

Ethics 216

Ethics Globalization Tools Organization 216

Leading in Context

JULY 4, 2012

Quotations About the Importance of Respecting Differences I hope that you enjoy this collection of quotes about respecting differences. Notice how many different compelling reasons for respecting differences are included – some from unexpected sources!

Ethics 214

Ethics Globalization Leadership Development Development 214

Leading in Context

AUGUST 15, 2012

As we deal with increasing work complexity, connection and speed, we need a strong moral center to guide us. We can think about it as having a strong character, being principle-centered, having integrity, or following an ethical compass. No matter what we call it, we need a strong moral foundation.

Morale 213

Morale Ethics Training Leadership 213

Leading in Context

FEBRUARY 22, 2012

Honoring Human Rights As business leaders, it is our responsibility to honor human rights in all that we do. Article 1 of the The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Leadership 212

Leadership Article Ethics Globalization 212

Leading in Context

JANUARY 4, 2012

How to Use The Leading in Context® Website Consider how you want to find information and then click on the link below: ? To understand the evolving definition of "leading ethically" in a global society (Review Selected Posts) ? To follow my curiosity (Scan the Blog Index for titles that interest you!).

Ethics 209

Ethics How To Definition Globalization 209

Leading in Context

OCTOBER 10, 2012

What is Ethical Consumerism? Ethical consumerism means that more customers are choosing to purchase goods that are ethically sourced, ethically made and ethically distributed.

Ethics 207

Ethics Article System Trends 207

Leading in Context

SEPTEMBER 26, 2012

By Linda Fisher Thornton 5 More Ways to Avoid the "Rightness" Trap The comments kept coming! Here here are 5 More Ways to Avoid the "Rightness" Trap based on social media responses to Is Needing to Be "Right" Unethical? They are each illustrated here with quotes.

Media 206

Media Ethics Leadership Development Development 206

Leading in Context

FEBRUARY 8, 2012

It is no surprise that there is not just one list of thinkers in management, leadership and business. There are many, and they vary in scope and topic.

Management 225

Management Sample Leadership Ethics 225

Leading in Context

APRIL 4, 2012

Looking for Leadership Blogs? This collection of blog lists provides links that will lead you to hundreds of blogs about leadership, management and ethics. Understandably, some of the lists will overlap, since each blog list creator selects blogs based on different factors.

Ethics 201

Ethics Blog Leadership Management 201