C206 Ethical Leadership and Code of Ethics College of Business Information, Western Governors University (10pages)

Ethical Leadership and Code of Ethics Ethical leaders follow an inherent code of conduct that guides them to do the right thing. This right thing might not always be the “popular thing,” but an ethical leader will always do what he/she truly believes is the right thing, no matter the backlash he/she receives. A. Winston Churchill Winston Churchill is still hailed today as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. Not only did he lead his country to victory against the Nazis during World War Two, but afterward, he assisted in establishing the post-war peace to help guide Europe through probably one of the most significant periods of hardship. Churchill demonstrated a charismatic and transformational leadership style. Transformational leaders’ primary focus is their team members, or in this case, his countrymen. 1. Ethical Traits One ethical trait Churchill demonstrated was being humane. He was very much a leader of the people and loved by many. Up to today, he is still known as the Bulldog of Britain. During WWII, a time of extreme hardship and sorrow, he persistently motivated the British people to be hopeful and courageous. The inspiration and trust he instilled in his people brought forth a momentous change for Britain and inadvertently helped win the war. Another ethical trait Churchill portrayed was leading by example. Before the war, he was a soldier himself, and during the war, he never backed down. He was always there, front and center urging his people on, as was evident in the attack against France at Mers-el Kebir when he showed that he would not stop fighting