What is Ethical Leadership Traits and How To Develop Them
Developing ethical leadership traits is a critical aspect of becoming a successful and respected leader. It involves adhering to strict moral principles that promote respect and responsibility, which in turn contribute to a supportive and productive workplace environment. As such, it is essential to understand the ethical traits that align with the mission statement of your organization, particularly if you aspire to take on a leadership role.
In this article, we will define ethical traits, identify nine valuable ethical traits that leaders can develop to succeed in the workplace, explain why they are important, provide strategies for developing these traits, and offer a real-world example of ethical leadership.
What Are Ethical Traits?
Ethical traits are the personal attributes that define individuals who consistently follow strict moral principles. These principles guide their behavior in various situations, and leaders who exhibit ethical traits are often seen as fair, trustworthy, and dependable.
Individuals typically develop ethical traits over time as they gain a better understanding of what is important to them and how they want to treat others, including friends, family members, colleagues, and direct reports. Employers often hire or promote people who display the desired ethical traits as part of the company culture.
Nine Ethical Leadership Traits and How to Develop Them
Here are nine ethical leadership traits that individuals can develop to promote a successful and thriving workplace environment:
Honesty
Ethical leaders value honesty, which can help them earn the trust of their team. They communicate openly and transparently, sharing company news and feedback. Even when dealing with classified information, they strive to share as much as possible.
Communication
Effective communication promotes accountability and trust, and leaders should encourage communication in the workplace. By creating an open-door policy and welcoming conversations with team members, leaders help staff feel valued and respected.
Teamwork
Ethical leaders prioritize teamwork and help team members achieve goals as individuals and as a group. When employees feel like they are part of something greater than their individual responsibilities, they are more creative, productive, motivated, and satisfied.
Leading by Example
Leaders who lead by example communicate expectations and perform duties that uphold the same standards they expect from their team. This reinforces the importance of every team member doing the necessary work to help the organization succeed.
Respect
Leaders who demonstrate respect listen to opinions, remain compassionate toward those with whom they work, and take the time to understand the management style that individual team members prefer. This helps to create a positive and supportive workplace environment.
Fairness
Ethical leaders treat everyone equally and avoid biases based on demographic factors like gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. Praising and providing constructive feedback to all team members in the same manner helps to promote fairness.
Adherence to Organizational Guidelines
Leaders make decisions based on organizational values and expect their team to operate in the same way. If an organizational guideline conflicts with the ethical goals of the organization or specific leader, they may seek to replace it with one that aligns with the organization’s values.
Encouraging Initiative
Leaders who encourage initiative help team members grow as professionals and take responsibility for their career development. This fosters an environment in which employees feel valued and empowered to make a difference.
Responsibility
Effective leaders accept responsibility for their mistakes and those of their team, turning errors into learning opportunities. Accepting responsibility for actions builds trust, openness, and commitment in the workplace.
The Importance of Ethical Traits
Ethical traits are critical for building strong professional and interpersonal relationships. They promote effective communication, connect individuals, and contribute to a productive and supportive workplace environment. By developing ethical leadership traits, individuals can enhance their leadership skills, promote a positive work environment, and establish themselves as respected and successful leaders.