Leading with an ethical perspective is not a decision you make, it is actions that you continually prioritize. Leadership is more than directing a team to meet organizational goals; it is the duty to make decisions that align with core values that are best for the whole. Ethical leadership is not about having the right answers, it is about asking the right questions that challenge assumptions and prioritize the greater good. The key to understanding how to lead with an ethical perspective is understanding that the role ethics plays in leadership is not an abstract idea, it is a daily practice.

After being introduced to the ethical frameworks of utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing overall well-being, and deontology, which emphasizes duties and principles I walked away with practical tools to help me evaluate complex situations. As young professionals, we can use these ethical frameworks to navigate uncharted waters. Entering the workforce is a challenging transition, but being able to make decisions within the guidelines of ethical leadership fosters a situation where you are led to make a decision that ensures that the immediate impacts and long-term results of the decisions we make are considered. Using utilitarianism and deontology helps you understand how to balance outcomes and principles while continuing to ask the right questions. Pairing utilitarianism and deontology is a way to layer the importance of staying true to your core values while considering others. 

Vulnerability is a core value that is often misunderstood and overlooked by people in leadership. If leaders fail to recognize that they do not have all the answers they will fail to succeed. A leader who humbles themselves and prioritizes fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued makes more thoughtful and inclusive decisions. Leading with vulnerability is not a weakness, it is an opportunity to connect with those around you. Leaders who are open and allow people to connect with them on a deeper level make more human decisions. Knowing when to ask for help is powerful and vulnerability and openness build trust and comradery. 

Vulnerability is a practice I’ve started applying to my daily life. I have taken actionable steps to be more vulnerable. It is challenging to be vulnerable, but a simple first step is seeking feedback from peers and colleagues, even when it’s uncomfortable. Making simple steps towards being vulnerable is not easy, but the impact it can have on you is profound. Young professionals in the early stages of their careers may not hold high risk leadership roles, but ethical leadership begins now. We can see ethical leadership at work in how we choose to collaborate with teammates, the words we choose to use when we communicate, and the values we find ourselves prioritizing. Speaking up when you see someone being mistreated or misunderstood is a vulnerable experience that can set the tone for how you will lead with an ethical perspective.

By committing to ethical practices now like the frameworks of utilitarianism and deontology, and being more vulnerable, we can lay the groundwork for impactful, value-driven careers. Lead with vulnerability and see how your relationships evolve and grow stronger.