Business Ethics and Living in the Glass House

Written by Judy W Bell on April 23, 2010. Posted in Ethics

Leadership truly is modeled from the top down. As Leo Buscaglia says, “It is not possible for you to influence others to live on a higher level than that on which you live yourself.”

Business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers all live in the same type of house. This house is made of glass. Because most people enjoy knowing people with whom they associate success, your employees and the general public often study people in positions of power. This study is carried out by simple observation.

We’ve often heard the saying “little pitchers have big ears.” While this old saying was aimed at children overhearing and repeating the words and actions of adults, it also serves as a reminder that the people who are being served by less than ethical leadership in the public and private sectors of business are also watching the way their leaders carry out their duties.

Ask yourself: