Ethical behavior pays. Unethical behavior costs.
“In 1626 Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus commissioned the building of one of the most powerful warships of its day, the Vasa, and ordered the launch of the ship on August 10, 1628. I’m not making this up-a few hundred yards into the channel, the ship encountered a slight breeze, rolled to its side, and sank, while a huge crowd of Swedish citizens gasped in shock from the shore. … Before the Vasa was launched, it failed a stability test with a number of knowledgeable observers present, including several senior naval officers. King Gustav placed enormous pressure on shipbuilders and other officials to launch the ship by July 25, 1628, and threatened, if not, those responsible would be subject to His Majesty’s disgrace. The man in charge, Admiral Clas Fleming, knew the ship shouldn’t be launched but wouldn’t convey this bad news to a very irritable king. He would not speak truth to power.” (De-Railed by Tim Irwin)
Ethical character and principles are intertwined, inseparable and secure. The principles form a framework guiding thoughts, decisions and actions. The individual of character will make decisions at home, work and church that are consistent and value based. Knowledge, experience and training are fantastic, but are valued less than character.
The cost of unethical behavior to our economy is estimated to be $500 billion per year. Consider an annual loss of 5% every year to fraud. Violence at work costs $36 billion, impacting 2 million individuals. The absence of ethical judgement and integrity is expensive and each of us are paying for it.
“The ethical standards are largely defined by the leadership. In many cases, it is an ongoing review of events and responses which results in a reiteration of the corporation’s values. Leadership guides those events and responses, and sets the moral tone of the team.” (Leading from the Heart by Jack Kahl)
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” (Ezekiel 22:30 NIV)
Leadership is a Biblical standard of integrity.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com