The New Rules of Leadership: Authenticity, Purpose, and Ethics

I see myself as a natural optimist who loves to be heartened by well-evidenced signs of hope, particularly about how upcoming leaders are challenging outdated values and behaviours in the workplace.

A new review of previous research in the excellent Oxford Review looked at how Generation Z employees view morality in the workplace and ethical leadership.?

Findings of this work showed that Gen Z employees “value honesty, fairness, integrity, altruism and care for values as key dimensions of leadership”.

This struck me as a potential shift in what qualities will define the successful leaders of the future. Lovers of leadership will know qualities like vision and grit allied with humility and compassion are already seen as critical, but I wondered if a new standard is being set that prizes a fully developed morality in our leaders.

It also provoked a few basic questions:

• Remind me again, who are Gen Z exactly?
• What’s the difference between morals and ethics?
• What could this practically mean for leaders and the led?

Getting definitions straight

As ever, let’s start with the people:

• Generation Z is the demographic cohort succeeding Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha.? Typically defined as those born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s

Gen Z (pronounced jen-zee) are often referred to as "Zoomers" due to their formative years coinciding with the rise of the video-sharing platform, Zoom.

And congratulations, Gen Z, you already make up an estimated 27% of the global workforce

Now, let’s look at morals and ethics, two words often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. While they both relate to principles of right and wrong, they differ in their origins and scope.

• Morals:? from the Latin word "mores," meaning "customs" or "manners" , they are normally personal and subjective in nature, often reflecting individual beliefs about right and wrong.? They are often shaped by personal experiences, family upbringing, and societal values.

Morals reflect beliefs and are enshrined in values that might include honesty, kindness, and respect.

• Ethics: from the Greek word "ethos," meaning "character", the term typically refers to a broader system of moral principles and values that govern individual and group behaviour.? They are often influenced by philosophical, religious, or cultural beliefs.

Ethics are a behavioural framework underpinned by a collective sense of morality

Is the moral bar going up?

If the research is right, we might be at a point where what was once seen as OK behaviour, an old ethical framework, is being challenged.

It goes on to say Gen Z “expect leaders to consistently demonstrate moral behaviours, both personally and professionally.? A leader's personality, particularly their integrity, moral development and moral identity, is crucial in shaping perceptions of this generation towards leadership.”

I find this enormously encouraging – I have written here before that I believe moral and spiritual development of leaders is essential.? Leaders who are clear on their meaningful purpose and their moral framework get better immediate results and are more capable of playing a full part in creating a more just and sustainable world.

This research lets leaders know that if they neglect their moral development and consequently fall short of the new ethical standards, their leadership credentials are in danger of being revoked – they might turn around to see a lack of followers.

Meeting the challenge

If this all sounds too theoretical or na?ve, let me give you one last dose of future reality from the research:

“Ethical leadership is critical in predicting Gen Z employees' productivity, satisfaction, turnover, voice behaviours and innovative behaviours.”

Essentially, Gen will prioritise ethical and socially responsible behaviour in their leaders and the companies they support – both as employees and customers.

Here are some ways you can practically related to Gen Z’s expectations of leaders – and I offer this to everyone, I imagine Gen Z will soon have as many leaders as led:

• Authenticity: Gen Z values authenticity and transparency in their leaders. They want leaders who are genuine and practice what they preach
• Social responsibility: this generation is more likely to support companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. They want leaders who are committed to making a positive impact on the world
• Purpose: Gen Z are more likely to be motivated by purpose and meaning in their work. They want leaders who can articulate a clear vision and mission that aligns with their values
• Diversity and inclusion: Gen Z values diversity and inclusion. They expect their leaders to create a welcoming and inclusive work environment for all employees
• Ethical decision-making: Gen Z are more likely to question and challenge unethical behaviour. They expect their leaders to make decisions that are both ethical and sustainable

Just one thing

Like so many people, I loved the late Michael Mosely, and I pay homage here and ask you, what is just one thing you can do today to be a more morally sound leader with clear ethical standards of behaviour?

You might have influence over a major complex system where a single change can be seismic.? Or you may only lead yourself and never know who is in the gallery watching.

My invitation to you is to be clear what you stand for and commit one act of overtly ethical leadership – you don’t need to shout about it or post it on social media, and anyway, Gen Z is watching.

About me:? Gary Armstrong helps people, teams and organisations who are stuck to find joy, fulfilment and high performance. He uses coaching and consulting to help people become clear on their purpose and goals and make transformational shifts in how they achieve them.? You can email him on [email protected] or book time with him here.? He also likes being with his family and spending time in the outdoors.