A Characteristics of a Perfect Leader from My Viewpoint

I believe that the leader has a job of the utmost importance when considering ethical decision making. They are at the top of the pyramid. Everyone from employees to suppliers to consumers sees how their actions play out. If they cannot lead by example and set the expectations, then we cannot expect everyone that is below them will be pushed to do the actions that are needed either in helping create a business which is seen as ethical.

The leader has a duty to all stakeholder. Everyone that can be impacted by the decisions of the company should be taken into consideration, not just solely the stockholders. A leader should want to work towards maximizing the returns on stockholder’s investments, but he/she should do this in a way that it does not, in turn, harm any of the other stakeholders the company has. A leader’s job is to make sure that the business can meet the needs set forth of the stakeholders of that business. He/she should strive to resolve needs that are conflicting.

A leader should have traits of openness (transparency), concern towards how the actions taken by the company will affect stakeholders, part take in actions rather than just speaking of taking actions, and fairness. I believe that openness is the most important thing that a business and leader can do for all its stakeholders. A business that is built on being open and transparent to its stakeholders has the ability to build a relationship of trust with them. This trust helps the image of the business in the short-term and in the long-term. They do not try to pull a veil over stakeholders’ eyes, rather they present stakeholders with the reality of what it goes on. I believe this makes stakeholders willing to work with businesses if a problem arises.

When a leader is concerned with how the business’ actions affect stakeholders and take actions that will not harm stakeholders, it creates more trust for the business. This is also important because it opens leaders for taking in the opinions of others (like employees and the community) who may be affected by decisions and can lead to a better decision being taken. I believe this can help create commitment among the consumers because they don’t feel like a means to an end.

The business or leader should never be one that is focused on internalizing all the benefits they can while externalizing the costs of the benefits reaped on others. Once a business becomes all about profits and pushes ethics away, it can damage its relationship and in the long-term lead to ostracization (by local communities and consumers) and even a call for punitive actions against the business or leader.