Reading “Strong Ethics Provide Guidance” made me think about moments in my own life when I’ve seen ethical leadership in action. The emphasis on leading by example reminds me of a former supervisor who always made decisions transparently and held herself to the same standards she expected from the rest of us. Because she communicated honestly and followed through on her values, it created a workplace where people felt safe, respected, and willing to speak up. I can also relate to the article’s message because I’ve experienced the opposite situations where leaders bent rules or acted inconsistently. Those environments felt confusing and unfair, which showed me firsthand how much ethical behavior shapes the culture around it.

The article also connects to other things I’ve read about leadership, especially John C. Maxwell’s writing on influence and integrity. Like this article, his work argues that real leadership comes from character, not position. It also reminds me of Brené Brown’s ideas on courage and responsibility, how leaders must model the values they want others to follow. Compared to more traditional leadership texts that focus on authority or strategy, this article highlights ethics as the foundation for everything else.

The ideas clearly relate to what’s happening in the world today as well. Many organizations and public figures face criticism for failing to act ethically, whether in business decisions, workplace treatment, or public communication. When leaders act dishonestly or avoid accountability, it leads to distrust and instability, something we’ve seen in both corporate and government settings. On the other hand, leaders who demonstrate consistent values tend to inspire confidence and unity. The article reflects a growing understanding that ethical leadership isn’t optional; it’s essential for guiding teams, communities, and organizations in a positive direction.

Guest Column: “Strong ethics provide guidance,” Triangle Business Journal, Feb 17, 2017.