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Can ethical leadership be taught, or is it something that you are born with?

Maribel Leake

Ethical leadership is a critical aspect of any organization. It ensures that the proper values and principles guide decision-making, promoting a positive and healthy work environment. However, the question remains: Can ethical leadership be taught, or is it something that you are born with?

To say that ethical leadership is solely an innate trait would be insufficient. While certain individuals may possess an inclination towards ethical decision-making, true ethical leadership is developed through experience, practice and learning.

Education, training and mentorship play critical roles in fostering ethical leadership qualities. Institutions can integrate ethics courses into their leadership programs, which cultivates the requisite skills and values required to be an ethical leader. Professional development initiatives, such as coaching and mentoring, also provide guidance and feedback to aspiring ethical leaders.

Moreover, the practical application of ethical principles is crucial. Opportunities for ethical decision-making should be provided to individuals seeking to develop their ethical leadership skills. This could be done by assigning individuals to ethical dilemmas, creating simulations of ethical decision-making, or even volunteering in community organizations.

As an individual progresses in their career, ethical leadership can be sustained through ongoing development efforts, organizational support and employee engagement. This includes creating a culture of open communication, championing awareness and transparency, and practicing what they preach. It is vital to recognize that ethical leadership is not a destination but rather a continuous journey.

However, despite these efforts, it is critical to acknowledge that ethical leadership may not be for everyone. As such, recruitment and selection processes that emphasize ethical leadership are essential. This includes developing competency models and assessing candidates with behavioral-based questions.

In conclusion, ethical leadership is a critical component of leadership development. While certain individuals may naturally possess ethical leadership inclinations, it is not solely an innate trait. Education, training, mentorship and practical experience play critical roles in sustainable ethical leadership development. By providing opportunities for individuals to practice ethical decision-making, organizations can create a culture of ethical values and principles, benefitting not only individuals and leaders but also the organization and society at large.