First, I lay no claims to be an expert of ethics but as I have stated before I think I can define my ethics and values and what my moral compass is. 

I asked myself a question this week. If most of us want to do good in this world, why do bad decisions get made and worse still why are they not challenged when we know that they are bad? Why do some of us then say nothing or support and defend those bad decisions? If we think about ethics and values and we know the difference between right and wrong and act accordingly, life should be straight forward. But life is not like that. We do not live in a fantasy land where nothing bad happens. Where nothing upsets or challenges our moral compass. 

Potter Steward said that ‘ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do’. I think this is particularly relevant when it comes to leaders and how they lead and act. The decisions that they make can have a profound impact on those around them, changing lives for better or for worse. And of course, they are a role model for those around them. How they behave, what they view is acceptable can set the tone and the example for others. If leaders take the view that they can do anything, no matter how wrong, because it is their right to do so, there are no checks and balances in place. If they do not listen to those around them, the poor decisions stand unchallenged.

It is hard to hear that we might be wrong, and the temptation then is to gravitate towards those who agree with us. And there will be those who do. But what happens to everyone else? They often either ignore what is happening and keep their heads down, or leave the environment, often the easier option. Or they may take what is often the hardest of all stances, they challenge the decision. To do this in what is often a hostile environment requires immense moral strength and they can find themselves shot down, disbelieved, and labelled as a troublemaker. This then results in an unhealthy environment where no one thrives. None of us if asked would want this so we must find a way to create something different.