Personal Flaws - Sins and Virtues

I have written previously on the subject of ethical behaviour.     The headline story in the latest Centre for Creative Leadership newsletter really made me ‘snap’ to attention.    

It is headed up: Sins and Virtues – Ethical Leadership in a Tough Economy.   

The article highlights the three (3) deadly sins according to Cresencio Torres from CCL.   Sins being: 

• Gluttony
• Greed
• Pride 

Torres advises leaders to practice and encourage virtuous behaviours based on six elements: 

• Temperance
• Generosity
• Kindness
• Humility
• Love
• Fortitude   

Torres highlights what we can do to demonstrate our commitment to ‘doing the right’ thing which includes; 

• Saying “noâ€� to yes-men
• Expecting and supporting ethical behaviour
• Taking ethics personally
• Making no excuses
•  Attending to the little things
• Looking in the mirror  

If you don’t already subscribe to the CCL newsletter I can highly recommend this as excellent reading.    Link below.  http://www.ccl.org/leadership/index.aspx  

The question of ‘pride’ is one that we have debated on this forum on a number of occasions.  I think pride is perfectly put in Torres article.   

To quote, “Pride can mean having a sense of your own proper dignity or value, or it can mean having an excessively high opinion of yourself. Pride can also be the cause of arrogance and self-centeredness.�  

For me this is one of the key points.   It is about operating in our business environment whilst maintaining both our personal dignity and upholding our personal values.   I am sure as the downturn continues (and let us pray is doesn’t) that we will be challenged time and again.   

The other key message was 'looking in the mirror' .  Doing a self assessment to make sure that I am behavouring in an ethical manner and not just acquiescing because sometimes it is easier to 'give in' than to stand by ones values. 

Leadership, it sure isn't easy and as the expectations increase it will only become more challenging.