Ethical Leadership in Complex Times | Ann Skeet

In a world where corporate ethics are often tested, the latest episode of the "Do Good to Lead Well" podcast brings a timely discussion with Ann Skeet, the Senior Director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration into the intricacies of leading with integrity amidst the challenges of today's corporate landscape.

During our conversation, Ann discusses the need for a comprehensive approach to ethics education and highlights the need for systemic assessments rather than attributing misconduct to a single "bad apple." We also explore how systemic pressures can foster a culture of fear and ethics washing and why organizations must effectively address toxic high performers.

The episode further explores the role of empathy in ethical leadership, underscoring its influence on decision-making and organizational dynamics. Practical applications of empathy, such as rotating assignments and fostering narrative integration through leadership stories, are discussed.

In a time when businesses must navigate partisanship, self-regulate, and address pressing issues like climate change and DEI initiatives, ethical leadership is more critical than ever. This episode inspires listeners to embrace their potential as ethical leaders, regardless of their role or setting. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How to foster a culture of trust and accountability within organizations.

• The importance of empathy and ethics in decision-making and organizational dynamics.

• Strategies for handling toxic high performers and conducting culture self-assessments.

• How leaders can responsibly harness technology in the age of AI and disruptive innovations.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - An Introduction to Ethical Leadership

(15:41) - Organizational Ethics and Risk Assessment

(22:40) - Characteristics of Ethical Leadership

(36:02) - Building Ethical Cultures Through Empathy

(43:54) - Navigating Ethics in Technological Advancements

(53:52) - Ethical Leadership in the Future

More of Ann Skeet:

Ann Skeet is the Senior Director of Leadership Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Her work centers on the ethical challenges faced by leaders and their teams, with a focus on fostering healthy corporate cultures, ethical leadership practices, and governance frameworks that promote human flourishing. Ann teaches ethics literacy for boards through the Silicon Valley Executive Education Center at the Levy School of Business. She has played a pivotal role in global initiatives, including serving on the Steering Committee for the Responsible Use of Technology at the World Economic Forum and contributing to the Partnership on AI’s Working Group on AI, Labor, and the Economy, co-authoring a framework for workforce well-being in AI-integrated workplaces. Additionally, Ann has co-authored Ethics in the Age of Disruptive Technologies: An Operational Roadmap and Voting for Ethics, a guide for evaluating candidates from an ethical perspective during elections.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-gregg-skeet-239306/ 

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Ethical Leadership, Corporate Culture, Organizational Ethics, Risk Assessment, Silicon Valley, Sarbanes-Oxley, Integrity, Systemic Issues, Misconduct, Ethics Education, Toxic High Performers, Empathy, Applied Ethics, Ethical Decision-Making, Code of Conduct, Ethics Training, Artificial Intelligence, Technological Advancements, Responsible Technology, Governance Framework, Continuous Improvement, Public Trust, Polarized Political Landscape, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/