7 Lenses Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership

by Linda Fisher Thornton

7 Lenses has an important purpose - to provide a clear, actionable road map for leading ethically in a complex world. With a Foreword by Stephen M. R. Covey, this book takes us beyond the triple bottom line to 7 different perspectives on ethical leadership, and provides 14 Guiding Principles that help us honor them all in daily leadership. It answers: Why do even the ethics experts disagree about what ethical leadership means? What is the bigger picture that we should use as our leadership road map? What are the business benefits of intentionally using high-level ethical leadership? What can we do to be prepared for the future of ethical leadership? The examples, graphics, cases and questions provide a framework for deeply engaging constituents and building trust for the long term. Linda Fisher Thornton is CEO of Leading in Context LLC and has been developing leaders for over 25 years. Trust Across America named her one of the 2013 Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior. A former bank Senior Vice President and Chief Learning Officer, she is leading a movement to bring out the best in people and organizations through ethical leadership. In addition to her leadership consulting practice, she speaks and writes about the future of ethical leadership, and teaches as Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Her book site is LeadinginContext.com/7Lenses.

Genres: Professional Development, Nonfiction

158 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2013

About the author

Linda Fisher Thornton is leading a movement to bring out the best in people and organizations through proactive ethical leadership. Named one of the 2013 Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior by Trust Across America, Linda is CEO of Leading in Context LLC and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Leadership for The University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Linda's focus as a leadership development consultant is on understanding ethical responsibilities, using respectful interpersonal behavior and building high-trust workplaces where employees can do their best work. A recognized authority on the future of ethical leadership, she tells the human story of the kind of leadership we need - fully inclusive, respecting differences, and building trust inside organizations and across boundaries. Her business website is LeadinginContext.com.

Reviews

[David Hain · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today's connected, complex world, where the ability to cultivate and sustain trusting relationships with myriad stakeholders is vital to personal and organisational credibility, ethical leadership has never been more needed. Countless recent scandals are testament to the sad fact that the demand for such leadership has frequently been let down by its supply. From the exploitation of garment workers in Bangladesh to the underwhelming figures on employee engagement in most countries, there is a sense that we are frequently let down by those who lead us. And yet there are multitudes who want to collaborate well across increasingly global boundaries to address the numerous universal issues that threaten the stability and sustainability of our world. Linda has written this book for all of us who seek to make a positive difference in lives, organisations, communities, and the world.

One of the things that we have lacked is a clear, unambiguous and practical framework for agreeing on what is right, so that we can apply common principles and standards to our leadership adventure, contextualised appropriately to geography, industry and interest. Linda shines a clear and lucid light on how to do this through her 7 lenses model, which provides a practical roadmap of the learning journey towards bequeathing a planet we can be proud of to future generations. She clearly outlines a list of the dimensions of ethical responsibilities, provides well-articulated and case-illustrated descriptions of the principles of leading ethically, and asks penetrating questions that will challenge every aspiring leader to explore their personal and organisational practice at many levels.

It is a book about ethics, for sure, but to me it is really a book about leadership development - the holistic principles so clearly outlined underpin the journey towards transformational leadership, servant leadership, and sustainable leadership. It is a book about other-centredness, congruence in principles and deeds, the highest of aspirations for people and society. It will surely become a bible for those of us attracted towards these lofty aims.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Fisher-Thornton's "7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership" offers a detailed roadmap for tackling the complexities of ethical leadership in today's interconnected world. Drawing from her esteemed status as a Top 100 Thought Leader in Trust, Fisher-Thornton unveils the seven dimensions of "ethical responsibility," furnishing readers with a comprehensive framework for navigating ethical dilemmas.

What makes "7 Lenses" truly remarkable is its ability to demystify the often murky waters of ethics. Through the exploration of each lens—Profit, Law, Character, People, Communities, Planet, and Greater Good—Fisher-Thornton provides leaders with practical tools to steer their decision-making towards ethical outcomes.

Unlike abstract discussions of ethics, this book offers tangible examples, graphics, cases, and questions to anchor its teachings. Through these resources, readers are prompted to delve deep into the material, gaining practical insights into how ethical principles can shape their day-to-day leadership.

In essence, "7 Lenses" isn't just a theoretical treatise—it's a hands-on guide for ethical leadership in action. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a budding leader, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the ethical challenges of the modern world with confidence and integrity.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well developed look at ethical leadership and its importance.

[Randi Eskanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of helpful tips for incorporating ethical leadership into your decision making.