5 Ways to Implement Ethical Leadership

More and more often, people in the workforce are looking for meaning in their work. They want to engage with the big picture. Not only because, as their career, their job should be something they are passionate about (or at least interested in) but also because the workplace is a place of community, growth and purpose. Systematic cognitive barriers can blind us to our own unethical behavior as leaders, and hamper the ability to maximize the value we create for the company. As leaders, we are not only responsible for our own decisions, but also for the decisions of those who are under our guidance. Not only does ethical leadership increase job satisfaction, but it also increases productivity and dedication to company vision. We can dramatically multiply the amount of good we do by encouraging others to engage in the 'big picture'. The five pillars of Ethical Leadership are community, honesty, integrity, justice, and respect. If you want to encourage and inspire your employees through ethical leadership, here are 5 tips to get you started.

1) Personal Evaluation

Before starting on this journey, take the time to reflect. What are your personal ethics? Evaluate what you have grown in, and what still needs to be changed. Include a trusted mentor or friend in the process, and allow them to evaluate your ethical standards. Being a leader means change will always start with you.

2) Vision-Casting

After taking the time to practice self-awareness, it's time to think bigger. In ten years, if your company becomes exactly what you're dreaming of, what does it look like? What is the main vision of the company, and what are the projects you are working on? What do the relationships look like between leadership and employees, between employees, and between the company and the outside world? What do you want the testimonials to say about you as a leader, about your employees, and about your services? Be as detailed as possible when creating this vision. These details tell you what your true goals are, which will give you and your company healthy, exciting direction.

3) Review Your Policies

Take the time to inspect the policies you have in place (dress code, breaks, vacation time, pay), and make the necessary changes. Does the policy reflect true community, honesty, integrity, justice and respect? Does the policy help in moving your company towards the vision you made in last tip? If not, don't be afraid to consult outside sources to learn about potential policy replacements.

4) Communicate Expectations

After the policies have been polished, it's time for the 'marketing' stage to begin. Creating a fresh, dynamic culture in your business doesn't happen overnight, and sending out a memo about some new policy changes may not be the most exciting approach. The best way to 'sell' these new ideas is by personally investing in presenting to, engaging with, and asking for feedback from your employees. Once these expectations have been clearly stated, the expectations both from you and your employees will begin to shift.

5) Make Room

Next on the list is 'making room' for people who might have a hard time adjusting, or may disagree. By giving clear, effective spaces for your employees to communicate their opinions, you are encouraging community, honesty, and respect. Like when you were vision-casting, take the time to get to the root of the issues they are having. Usually, frustrations about 'not getting paid enough', can be translated to 'I believe my skills/time are not valued here'. Encourage transparency, and work with your employees without allowing them to dictate every change.

Bonfire Consulting Group

If you find yourself in need of employees with specific skills, passions, and vision, contact us and find out more about our services. We can help.