Ethical leadership sets the standard for how decisions are made, how people are treated, and how power is exercised. It requires leaders to define clear principles, apply them consistently, and address misconduct without exceptions for status or performance. Ethical leaders build decision routines that surface trade-offs, protect vulnerable stakeholders, and reduce conflicts of interest. They also design accountability systems, such as transparent escalation paths and documented rationales for major choices. Over time, ethical leadership protects culture, reduces risk, and strengthens long-term trust with employees, customers, and partners.
Question: How do you test your decisions for fairness when outcomes affect multiple stakeholder groups?