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It has happened both times so far this semester, that when we come together to collaborate on topics for our blog posts, the rest of the group has similar ideas about what interested them in the reading and my topics of interest seem to diverge significantly from my cohorts. This time around I second guessed myself, wondering if I was way off base pulling the subject as ethical leadership as a key point from the text. Integrity comprised only one section of the reading for this module, yet I still considered it as critical concept, the requirement of this writing.
After re-reading the second chapter of Planning for Technology by Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee (2013) which included the description of ethical leadership, my opinion on the importance of integrity strengthened. Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee express a critical link between ethical leadership and effectiveness, citing ethics as a determinant in the quality of leadership (p. 23). Eranil and Ozbilen (2017) established a connection between ethical leadership and a positive school climate, without which academic achievement and social behavior would falter. These expressions of the crucial importance of ethics in leadership bolstered my confidence in presenting it as my chosen topic for this post.
I immediately formed an image of what ethical leadership was based on my own strong personal values. I hold true the adage that one must “lead by example,” and I want to make sure that I am constantly striving to model the standards that I desire everyone to meet. I wanted to make sure that my definition of ethical leadership aligned with expert description, leading to further research on the topic of ethical leadership. Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee (2013) delve into the subject, dedicating a portion of text to differentiating between intention and impression, clarifying that impressions are made not just on statements made, but on the way that statements are made as well. Their definition of integrity includes leaving a positive impression while communicating,
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| Figure 1. The Speed of Trust. (Covey, 2006) |
Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee (2013) make reference to a pinnacle author on the topic of ethical leadership, Stephen Covey, to depict an image of the importance of character in a leader. Covey (2006) uses the analogy of a tree to convey the role ethics play in the efficacy in administration.
Integrity forms the roots of the role of the leader, without which the tree would perish, as the roots nourish, offer strength and stability, and are the base for growth. The deliberate placement of character as the foundation for advancement exhibits its prominence role in leadership.
Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee (2013) also recommend five strategies to guide a leader in reflection on integrity (p. 24). These recommendations include action steps that any leader could utilize to inform and improve practice. The importance of ethics in leadership should drive the necessary self-reflection of anyone hoping to facilitate growth, both personal and professional.
To learn more about qualities of an ethical leader, follow the link below:
References
Covey, S. M., & Merrill, R. R. (2008). The speed of trust: the one thing that changes everything. New York: Free Press.
Eranil, A. K., & Ozbilen, F. M. (2017). Relationship between School Principals’ Ethical Leadership Behaviours and Positive Climate Practices. Journal of Education and Learning,6(4), 100. doi:10.5539/jel.v6n4p100
Whitehead, B. M., Jensen, D., & Boschee, F. (2013). Planning for technology: a guide for school administrators, technology coordinators, and curriculum leaders. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, a Sage Company.
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