Leading Ethically as well as Effectively
As a leader, how can you make sure your leadership is not just effective, but also ethical. These top tips will give you some ideas to focus on.
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CREATE A CULTURE OF ETHICS
Ethics needs to run right through the business, not just in certain areas. Consider how you can create a culture of ethics throughout your team.
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DEVELOP A FORMAL ETHICS POLICY
One way to help the ethical viewpoint flourish in the business is to develop a formal policy. What ethical values do you want your staff to exhibit? How might they act ethically? What guidelines are there to follow?
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COMMUNICATE YOUR ETHICS
When you have a policy, make sure it is communicated, not just as part of policies and procedures but in a way that makes it clear what is required.
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RECOGNISE AND REWARD ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Once your team are clear what behaviours are expected from them, consider putting in place a scheme where that behaviour is recognised and rewarded. The rewards don’t have to be monetary but should be appropriate to the behaviour.
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ENSURE YOUR COMMUNICATIONS ARE TRANSPARENT
Where there is a lack of transparency, your team may not be clear about why decisions are made and what ethics lie behind them. Communicate often with your team and push for it to be two way – your staff need to know they can communicate freely with you.
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NO EXCEPTIONS TO ETHICAL STANDARDS
There can be no excuses and no exceptions to ethical behaviour, from brand new entrants all the way up to senior management.
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MODEL ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Leading by example is a must. Ensure that your behaviour strictly follows your ethical guidelines, and talk to your staff about the impact that has on the business. Discuss what deals were made or not made, depending on the ethics involved so that they can see your commitment.
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TALK ABOUT ETHICS ON AN ONGOING BASIS
Ethics shouldn’t feel like an annual ‘tick the box’ exercise. Make sure they are woven into the way you do business and discuss them often.