This text about ethical leadership in uncertain times reminds me of my own experiences in school and at work. I think about times when there was drama, rumors, or sudden changes, and everyone felt anxious. In those moments, the only thing that made me feel stable was when a teacher, coach, or manager clearly stood up for fairness and respect. It reminds me that what truly makes a place feel safe isn’t the absence of problems, but the presence of shared values.

This passage also brings to mind books and speeches discussing moral leadership. It echoes the idea from To Kill a Mockingbird, where Atticus Finch serves as an ethical guide during a deeply unjust time. Like the author of this text, Atticus shows that authentic leadership involves standing for what is right when everything around you feels wrong or chaotic. It’s similar to other texts that stress integrity and character as a foundation. However, this passage differs in that it focuses specifically on the modern workplace and on how everyone can be an ethical leader, not just those with titles or authority.

On a larger scale, this text relates to what we see in the news and online. Examples includes polarization, discrimination, and people feeling worn down by constant crises. Many workplaces and schools now highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion while discussing psychological safety. The author’s message that no one is above these principles reminds me of real-world movements calling for accountability when leaders misuse power. At the same time, the text is somewhat idealistic. Not every workplace lives up to these values. Still, the idea that this too shall pass and that our ethical choices will be our legacy reflects how societies evaluate difficult periods.

Bizjournals.com, 30 Sept. 2016, https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2016/09/30/guest-columnneeded-leaders-who-inspire-listen.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.