Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 2)

By Linda Fisher Thornton

In Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 1) I shared 3 special qualities or behaviors that define ethical leadership. These three additional leadership behaviors even more directly impact others in a positive way.

Ethical Leaders INSPIRE

Bringing out the best in others is seen as the goal of leadership
Supporting people at the same time as stretched to bring out their potential
Using the kind of behavior and leadership that leads others to make ethical choices

Ethical Leaders CARE

Showing consistent empathy and concern for others
Demonstrating care with no ulterior motive
Being sincerely interested in others and their wellbeing and success

Ethical Leaders PROTECT

Protecting people from harm through the use of ethical and systems thinking
Protecting the planet we depend on from harm for the benefit of future generations
Extending protection fairly without regard for status or power

The roles of inspiring, caring, and protecting are ones that responsible leaders embrace, as their focus is on others, not on themselves.

Watch for examples this week of leaders who inspire, care and protect. Next week I’ll share three more ways to recognize an ethical leader in part 3 of this series.