Question

Write 150 words on your thoughts on this discussion

In today's high visibility world with the constant social media input, it is more important than ever to ensure that, as a leader, your ethical message is consistent. You can't just talk about ethical behavior, you have to practice it, and show the world you mean what you say. When you are searching for answers to ongoing dilemmas of how to nurture an environment of trust, accountability and respect, it starts with practicing ethical leadership at all levels of management. Consistently doing what's right, even though it is difficult, should be an integral part of a leaders makeup (Schindler, J. 2019). When you model ethical behavior, you have a positive effect on your organization. Trust and ethical leadership builds up and spreads, and you earn respect and your integrity will service as a model for other organizations. Being an ethical leader is not always easy, especially when you have to terminate an employee who cut corners or use company property for personal projects.

A good example of an ethical leader is Bono, born Paul Allen Hewson who is the front man of the Dublin based rock group U2. During his time with the band he has won more than 20 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Frame. He is also a world famous Rock Star. With all this fame, he still finds time for world-wide worthy causes like fighting hungry, and slowing the spread of Aids. Bono transformed himself from a music artist to a highly regarded humanitarian leader by taking a class to learn Emotional Intelligence (EI) which: Builds and maintains a variety of strong, productive and healthy relationships: Get along and work well with others in achieving positive results, and effectively deal with the pressures and demands of life and work (Clarkson, R. 2015).

Bono's evolution as a leader started early in his career when he applied the EI skills of social awareness by asserting himself on a global stage where he generated awareness and support for famine in Africa . He was very successful at connecting with the public during his concerts. He preformed live Aid concerts to raise money to support the cause. The outcome of these concerts and collaboration with other music stars brought awareness and relief for famine in Africa. Bono's next big project was the Aids epidemic. Research had predicted that within five years Aids would kill over 155 million worldwide. In 2013 Bono persuaded leaders of developed countries to act to slow the spread of Aids, he even met with Senator Jesse Helms, which resulted in changing the senator's mind about federal funding for Aids programs in the developing world (2015). Also, Bono and his allies convinced pharmaceutical companies to develop a complex 12-day Aids regime compressed into one pill a day, that now saves eight million lives.

Bono's ability to persuade decision makers and forge relationships with key stakeholders had a significant impact on the fight against Aids. He was very successful in convincing the wealthy nations to help fight global hungry by forgiving $40 billion in debt owed to them from the world's eighteen poorest countries. Bono raise money to donate to over 42 charities and fights for over 34 worthy causes world-wide. Bono's success as a leader can be attributed to the strong leadership skills he applied. He is an ethical leader who has brought about real changes in the world.

Answer 1

The discussion begins with a strong premise that ethical leadership should be incorporated at every level and should not be only preached but also practiced. It establishes while we may all support ethics from the comfort of our home, getting down and doing something worthwhile is more difficult than said.

Then the discussion focuses on a key figure to relate its argument, Bono. The various accomplishments, initiatives, efforts and changes that Bono has achieved paints his influence on global scenarios and how his emotional intelligence helped him change lives. This is an inspirational and referential part of the discussion. A personality like Bono is easily recognized, related to and followed. This makes the overall argument of ethical leadership stronger in this discussion.

If I have to criticize, the discussion seems to focus more on Bono’s achievements rather than the ethical leadership and how it should be done. It is not possible for all of us to work like Bono but we could contribute small part as individuals and make the overall society ethical.