What a Leader Must Be - Part 3

Living with Ethics

Ethics are systems of moral principles. These are principles that work together to enable us to perform in our moral convictions. Ethics call for loyalty, duty, selfless service, and integrity.

Personal ethics begin with loyalty. Military personnel are called to be loyal to country, to the Army, and to the unit. For the civilian employee, this is loyalty to the company, to the proper levels of authority, and to those they work with.  These are just the basic levels of loyalty. Loyalty extends to family, friends, and to those who serve. Loyalty should not cause one to neglect moral behavior.

When a person works for an organization, they accept the ideals set forth by that organization. They are willing to work to maintain the integrity of their employer, Of course, faulty ethics lead people to selfish pursuits and can mar one's perception of the company’s ideals. This is why we need solid moral boundaries in our lives. Reading the Bible helps solidify one's convictions.

Because ethics evolve from each individual, loyalty is tested in how they place the needs and goals of those around them ahead of their own. When they contribute fully to the success of their work, they contribute to the success of the company.

Duty is where ethic meets the true you. Many people are tempted to take short cuts in order to get a task accomplished; duty, however, becomes a leader's ethical checks and balance. Duty, according to the FM 22-100, is the moral obligation to do what should be done without being told. It is the desire within to accomplish all assigned tasks to the fullest or to the best of our ability.

Being morally obligated means a leader will take full responsibility for their actions and the actions of those they lead. Being responsible means taking the initiative to get things done, and as a leader, anticipate all required to handle the situation at hand. Giving your best will mean putting your best effort forward. A leader must possess the guts necessary to achieve a goal or a task; otherwise, short cuts will become the norm and duty is trashed. Cheaters never win and lying to make yourself or your people look good is dishonorable!

A leader who is loyal and attends to duty will serve selflessly. For the military leader, personal safety may have to be risked. For the church leader, respect will be put on the line (but should never cross it). For all leaders in all situations, we have to fight the urge to allow personal gain, advantage, and self-interests to be placed ahead of our organizations success. If you sacrifice, your team will follow your lead. Being selfless does not mean being reckless. Being selfless in service shows one's commitment and belief.

Rank and position are never reason to cease serving those following! You earn rank and privilege as a means to better serve others. Keep that in mind as you set out to develop and train your team. Use your leadership to grow others - and they will in turn grow the organization.

Being selfless requires integrity. Integrity is being honest and upright (the Bible calls it righteousness). Integrity avoids deception. Integrity is living out your values and beliefs. Without integrity, trust and confidence will not exist. Integrity begins in a leader's personal life: at home, in church, and in all relationships. A leader's personal integrity builds bonds with those they lead. Tread carefully. Of course, if you really believe in God, integrity becomes second hand in your nature.