Ethics 101: What Every Leader Needs To Know

by John C. Maxwell

Bestselling author John C. Maxwell shows you how the Golden Rule works everywhere, and how, especially in business, it brings amazing dividends.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Education

128 pages, Hardcover

Published May 11, 2005

About the author

John Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Reviews

[Steven Walle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterful written book on Ethics. John C Maxwell teaches us that there is no such thing as business, spiritual ethics, family ethics, but only Ethics. Maxwell teaches us that we must live all aspects of our lives by one standard and that being (The Golden Rule.)
In other words do not focus on living the good life, but rather living a life that is good.

I highly recommend this book to all.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond

[Isil Arican · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book after attending an executive leadership bootcamp, and many folks there were raving about Maxwell books.

It took me a couple hours to read this, and I am not impressed at all. This feels more of a Kindergarten book than a management/leadership book. The whole book (104 pages) can be summarized as:

- Be nice to people
- Do onto others as they do onto you
- Be honest

I also hate anecdotal cherry picked simple examples picked to prove a point. "John was nice to his business partner once, and ten years later the partner gave him a bigger contract..." I am sure there are thousands of cases that are not like this, and when someone tries to explain why we have to be nice with another possible gain it drives me nuts! We should be nice to people not for the chance of getting a better contract in the future but because we are humanists.

I am not saying the advice in this book is worthless, but it is pretty much common sense, and not really as deep as I would expect a 'business book' with a name "101 Ethics". This was not worth my time, but at least marked it off as "read" on my reading list.

[Andrew Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a serious business ethics book and doesn't try to be. It's business guru-type book with the noble, if failed, objective of teaching managers how to be ethical.

[Waris Ahmad Faizi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!
John Maxwell has hit the ball out of the boundary. He did an amazing job at conveying the importance of living an ethical life. He expands on the Golden Rule, the only rule we really need for all ethical guidance, and crafts a succinct explanation for how to apply it. Some parts of the book may even make you just wow.
If you only want to read one book about ethics, this masterpiece would be the greatest choice.

[Sophia Velezis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my project analysis class but such a quick and good read as a senior about to go into the work force

[Adrian Armijo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read. Good read. About all I got.

[Hannah Wayland · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldn't have finished this book if it wasn't required for a graduate course I am enrolled in. When the content wasn't incredibly elementary it was offensively reductive. At one point, the author suggests that divorce and drug addiction can be boiled down to and blamed on a "hedonistic society" that is only concerned with instant gratification and pleasure. Similar statements are made throughout the book regarding people who rely on welfare to feed their families.
To write a book on ethics that fails to explore the nuances of societal issues that are cited within the book is unethical. I feel that this author had a personal agenda that they didn't work very hard to conceal in this tiny poorly researched book.
Also, 40% of the book is just quotes from much better authors and leaders. Go figure.

[Amin elahifard · Rating 3 out of 5]

عنوان: اخلاق در تجارت؛ نویسنده: جان سی مکسول؛ ناشر: انتشارات سپید؛ در 160 ص؛ موضوع: اخلاق در دنیای کسب و کار
تاریخ اخلاق تجارت همواره شاهد حمله گسترده به تجارت و رفتارهای تجاری بوده است. عدم رعایت اصول اخلاقی می تواند منافع کوتاه مدتی را برای شرکت ها ایجاد کند اما با گذر زمان، رفتار های ناپسند ، به منافع مالی شرکت ضربه وارد می کنند. اصول اخلاقی می بایست بر فعالیت های ارادی انسان حاکم باشد و از طرفی تجارت یک فعالیت ارادی است.

[Tony Rogers Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A though-provoking, practical look at the much needed subject of ethics in our society. Maxwell takes a simplistic approach(which I love) to ethical decision making by providing a one question framework through which to filter all your future decision making.
Highly recommend everyone give it a read, especially anyone in leadership.

[Gina Herald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing new under the sun. Maxwell hits it straight on. I suspect it's no accident that the cover is black and white. I own and have read most of the books in his 101 series. They make great stocking stuffers for the business people and personal development junkies in your life.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful brilliant little tiny book...packed with power.

[Julie Glynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether in business or not. This will bring you back to the basics of integrity, empathy, and embracing the Golden Rule.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Ethics 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know by John C. Maxwell

John C. Maxwell’s Ethics 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know offers a concise yet profound examination of the ethical principles that underpin effective leadership. Aimed at aspiring and current leaders alike, this book distills essential ethical guidelines into a format that is both accessible and actionable, making it a valuable resource for individuals across various sectors.

Content Overview
Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert and author, presents a framework for understanding ethics in leadership through the lens of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The book is structured around key themes and principles that reinforce the importance of ethical decision-making:

The Foundation of Ethics: Maxwell emphasizes that ethics are critical for establishing trust and credibility. He argues that ethical leaders foster environments where followers feel secure and respected, thus enhancing overall organizational effectiveness.

Character and Leadership: The author discusses the intrinsic connection between a leader’s character and their ethical stance. He outlines how personal integrity shapes decisions and impacts the culture of an organization, highlighting that true leadership extends beyond mere authority to include moral responsibility.

Decision-Making Framework: Maxwell provides practical tools for ethical decision-making, encouraging leaders to evaluate their choices through ethical lenses. He outlines a step-by-step approach that includes self-reflection and consideration of the broader impact on stakeholders.

The Role of Values: The book delves into the significance of personal and organizational values in guiding ethical behavior. Maxwell advocates for aligning one’s actions with core values, positing that this alignment is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.

Real-world Applications: Throughout the text, Maxwell illustrates his points with real-world examples and anecdotes, demonstrating how ethical dilemmas manifest in leadership scenarios. This practical approach helps readers relate the concepts to their own experiences and challenges.

Critical Analysis
Maxwell’s writing style is clear and engaging, making complex ethical concepts understandable. His ability to connect moral principles with leadership practice is a significant strength of this book. The incorporation of anecdotes serves to humanize theoretical discussions, providing relatable contexts for the reader.

However, while the book’s brevity is a strength, some readers may find its depth somewhat lacking. The rapid-fire presentation of ideas may not fully satisfy those seeking a comprehensive exploration of ethical theories or frameworks. Moreover, Maxwell’s reliance on the Golden Rule, while a foundational concept, could be seen as limiting, particularly in complex ethical situations that require more nuanced approaches.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Ethics 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know by John C. Maxwell is a practical guide for leaders who wish to cultivate ethical practices within their organizations. While it may not delve deeply into every ethical theory, its straightforward approach and actionable insights make it a valuable resource for leaders at all levels. This book is recommended for those seeking to enhance their understanding of ethics in leadership while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in their professional environments.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 Chapters. 104 pages. John C. Maxwell discusses ethical decision-making and living an ethical life. The main focus is on business ethics. However, as Maxwell states "There's no such thing as business ethics-there's only ethics...Ethics is ethics."(Preface). Maxwell proposes that in order to live an ethical life you need to follow the Golden Rule. Apart from the book, at a young age, we are taught that the Golden Rule is to treat others as you want to be treated. As a matter of fact, Maxwell emphasizes the Golden Rule starts with you and "How do you want to be treated?". (28-29). The Golden Rule is received by most people, is easy to comprehend, is a win-win philosophy, and is a compass that can help point you in the right direction.

Maxwell believes there is a commonality in all human beings when it comes to how they want to be treated. People want to be valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and not taken advantage of. And when it comes to the Golden Rule and in the application to the treatment of others it is summed up by one word: Integrity. Integrity is to do what is morally and legally correct. By upholding moral standards, you can develop the quality of integrity. You must refrain from acting or speaking in a way that will mislead others. The more honest you become, the more others will trust you. Your connections with family and friends, as well as your fundamental acceptance of yourself, will all be impacted by the decisions you make based on integrity.

In Chapter 5, Maxwell discusses the factors that can deteriorate the Golden Rule. He states those factors as being: Pressure, pleasure, power, pride, and priorities. I thought it odd that all these factors started with the letter P. Coincidence? Anyhow, by living as a person of character you can effectively position yourself to handle any upcoming ethical challenges by doing the following: 1. Take responsibility for your actions. 2. Develop personal discipline. 3. Know your weaknesses. 4. Align your priorities with your values. 5. Admit wrongdoing quickly and ask forgiveness. 6. Take extra care with finances. 7. Put your family ahead of your work. And, 8. Place high value on people.

To the last point of "Place high value on people", Maxwell calls this the "Midas Touch". By investing in people, you "improve mankind and develop human resources". (87). The "Midas Touch" consists of the following practices: 1. Treat People Better Than They Treat You. 2. Walk The Second Mile. 3. Help People Who Can't help You. 4. Do Right When It's Natural To Do Wrong. 5. Keep Your Promises Even When It Hurts.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Maxwell once again delivers a clear and great book for us all.

Ethics is not something different when we enter an organisation, it is the same ethics we have in all our lives. This book provides techniques and guides to staying true to an ethical life, and in essence "do the right thing".

Having listened to this as an audiobook, I cannot provide direct quotes; but the most important "quote" I took from this great book is this, "stay true to living a life that brings love, value and support to those around you".

The critical aspect to this is to not "compete" to be the best, but to be your best.

I recently watched an AFL game and saw 2 players competing and one earning a free kick/pass; the ball dropping to the feet of the other player (the opposition). The opposition bent down to pick the ball up but he did not. He did it again. The other player stood waiting to receive the ball. Finally, on the third drop down the opposition player just smiled. The player awarded the free had to go and get the ball.

Is that how people want to win? Is that the role model for our children? When did we get like this?

The book describes a story of a Winter Olympic games bobsled event where the Italian's, not expected to win gold, performed a brilliant run down the track. They were placed first at that time with 2 competitors to go. The next competitor were the English, who were the favourites. Unfortunately in the run down the track prior, the English bobsled had lost its bolt. This meant they could not do their next and final run.

Hearing this, the Italian's down the end of the track immediately went to their bobsled and removed their bolt. They asked for it to be rushed up to the English. The English were able to get the bolt installed and complete their run. The Italians ended up third.

The Italian bobsledder commented having been asked why he did this, that "I would rather win knowing I had competed fairly against the best and won".

Valuable lesson we should all heed. Ask yourself, would you do this?

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in the time of the collapse of Enron. A person could be forgiven for thinking that there is one standard of ethics in big business (Don't Get Caught) and another standard of ethics for the rest of humanity (The Golden Rule). The author does not agree.

How would I like to be treated in this situation? This way of thinking is easy to understand and is accepted by most people. Companies that operate this way are consistently more profitable than those that don't. It also works really well as a personal compass.

Before a person can change their business, they need to adopt the Golden Rule as their personal integrity guideline. Make your decisions, personal and business, accordingly. Some people blame their choices on circumstances. Other people make good choices regardless of circumstances. Which are you? Doing nothing is also a decision. Consider asking others to hold you accountable for your decisions.

There are many things that keep a person from adopting the Golden Rule. Most corporate ethics violations come from "cooking the books," so there can be lots of pressure to not say anything. Those in power sometimes feel that the assets of the company are their personal checking account, to be spent any way they want (who cares about ethics, I want it now). Having pride in yourself is a good thing. An excessive amount of pride, focusing only on yourself and your interests, is a bad thing.

After the Great Recession, it sure seems like there are a whole new generation of business leaders who need to read this book. It's short, very easy to understand, and each chapter has in-depth discussion questions. It is very much worth the reader's time.

[Dennis Geoffroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is good. Follow the Golden Rule. However, it is way to simplistic to be "Ethics 101".

It uses random anecdotes from business leaders who acted ethically and achieved success and of those who didn't who ended up in prison or worse.

It is a pretty picture, but its not always true, we shouldn't act ethically just because we expect better success if we do (that is just being self-centered thinking being "good" will benefit us) instead we should act ethically because it is the right thing to do.

Acting ethically won't necessarily lead to great business success as Maxwell claims. I think this is a dangerous claim not only because it leads to the wrong motivation to act ethically, it also gives false hope. People may constantly fail in the corrupt business world because of there ethics, they may never be business moguls. Their success will than not be in the business world, but in their personal character, knowing they still have their conscience.

[Matt Leiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good, very short read. Maxwell takes what is generally a long dry subject and makes it short and sweet, basing an ethical argument on the golden rule. He talks about how ethics used to be part of a standard curriculum in the US and by the 1950s had almost completely disappeared from schools, and now completely gone to our great misfortune. He talks about how we are in the generation of situational ethics-what feels right at the time is what is right to do-which is destroying our culture. "There's no such thing as business ethics-there's only ethics...if you desire to be ethical, you live it by one standard across the board"...I could quote from every page in this book.

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my son which is a teacher in Arizona had a seminar where they were reading portions of a different book by this author. I seen this one in it look intriguing. I am glad I read it. I know he has a lot of quotes in the book but to me it’s like a good reminder. I would recommend anyone in high school in college to read this. The way everything is so fast-paced now, something like this could get you more humbling.

[Alisha Wilder · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Golden Rule vs the Midas touch! Treat people how you want to be treated or better in every aspect of your life is the moral to this story. Fast read with quick reminders on how to be better in every aspect of life. We should not have different ethics for each course or life they should flow through from home to work to church to school to friendships.

[Tim Sinnott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does this really pertain to ethics?

As I started this book I found myself asking this question. Maxwell begins referring the Golden Rule and I thought it was getting into moralizing. I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. There are profound ethical lessons and quotes. It is well worth the read.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the simplicity. It is meant to be simple and easy to understand and apply to your life (with practice of course). It does exactly that, and I like the reflective portions as well. I do obviously have some distrust in some of the statements made - but I think that might be something to reflect on as well.

[Benny Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that every business aspirant must read.
John Maxwell clearly puts some points in the reader's mind that we do not have to find shortcuts, as sometimes the longest distance between two points are shortcuts.

[Tremayne Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was outstanding. Very practical and the only reason why people may not like it is simply the decision to not implement what he is talking about. Trust me, integrity, character and ethics is everything.

[Lindsay Moniz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard good things about Maxwell as an author. This is the first of his books I have read. I learned quite a bit from this short book. I think everyone should read it at some point in their life!

[Jonathan Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Although only about one hundred pages long John Maxwell does an incredible job at conveying the importance of living an ethical life and also giving you powerfully simple tools to get there.
Chalked full of one liners, this book is highly recommended!

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book that outlined the golden rule. It's amazing how everything from this one rule comes to fruition! Are you going for gold or the golden rule? Which ever you choose determines your internal state!!!

[Garrett Haas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good in that it was short and had a few quotable lines. Wasn't expecting a thrilling read. Like the author states, ethics isn't something you read once and you're good; it's a habit built through continuous choices.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book that looks at the concept of ethics across all aspects of life. It does not go into great detail of those aspects (by being a short book it can't). It does cover the general idea very well.

This is a solid starter book when looking into the idea of ethics.

[Deb Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides many situations and circumstances in life regarding choices that is faced with both personally and professionally. No matter how complex the matter is, the answer is to consider the golden rule.