There is NO Leadership Apart From Ethical Leadership.

As a Cadet in the United States Army Reserves, I met leaders who were very different than myself. I've always felt that the United States Military might be one of the most diverse organizations on planet earth. One thing we always had in common was strong beliefs in our mission and a shared code of ethics.

As officer candidates, we were committed to an ethical principle: "I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." Ethics matter in the military, and where else better to pull from than the West Point Military Academy's Cadet Honor System? For me, ethics in action are the difference between voluntary free armed forces and those led by an iron fist.??

Leadership and ethics connect in a way that cannot be broken. As a leader, it is our job to set the tone for our teams, and when it comes to ethical behavior, that tone must be set from the top down. A code of ethics is not enough – it must be adopted and championed by the leader.

An ethical leader acts with integrity consistent with claimed values and beliefs. We must be willing to make tough decisions, even when they may not be popular. We should be willing to take responsibility for our actions. Additionally, an ethical leader must be willing to take the time to listen to different perspectives and then make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the organization.

While leading in the U.S. Armed forces differs from leading in the business world, the stakes can be just as high for unethical decisions. The high stakes are why I believe that, as a leader, we must also be aware of the ethical implications of our choices. Moral decisions should be based on the principles of justice and fairness and free from bias. As a best practice, all Leaders should strive to make decisions that will create an environment of trust and respect among team members.

Leaders must also be willing to take a stand against unethical behavior. Regarding ethics, a passive leader is always part of the problem rather than the solution. Leaders must be ready to confront difficult situations and speak out against unethical practices.?

Demonstrating ethical behavior in our day-to-day actions requires us to be willing to accept criticism and feedback from team members. We should also be willing to admit when we've made a mistake and apologize when necessary.

Ethics don't just happen, and for this reason, leaders should invest in the development of their team members. We should mentor and coach our teams and be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. This investment will help ensure that our teams work consistently with the organization's values and beliefs.

In 2023 ethics in leadership stands out for important reasons:

1. ?Moral leadership is essential for any successful organization.
2. As leaders, we must be willing to set the tone for ethical behavior and take a stand against unethical practices.
3. We must also be ready to lead by example and invest in the development of our team members.

With the right approach, any leader can create a culture of trust and respect where ethical behavior is the norm.