Why Ethical Leaders Are Different

Ethical leadership is crucial for sustained corporate success.  What sets ethical leaders apart are a zest for open and contentious debate, active participation in the decision-making processes, and a commitment to succession planning. Although encouraging debate is essential, ethical leadership must balance the need for robust discussion with the requirement of commitment to a common purpose to avoid polarization. Without this commitment, participants in the debate will be risk-averse in their contributions, a behavior that will ultimately jeopardize the organization.