Leaders and Exercising Ethical Influence: A Critical Analysis

Leaders are people whom we demand a lot from; they carry the whole picture of an organization or any other platform they are leading from. These expectations give them a responsibility to archive and a portrait to set as they lead. One of the many things leaders are expected to have is ethics, as this term might me wide, it may simply mean a good behavior in a leader (Johnson, 2018). Craig E. Johnson in chapter seven discusses exercising ethical influence. As described in the book, this paper also describes four channels to signal expectations and their impacts on group members; it also explains why it is important to manage interpersonal relations in the workplace. Lastly, it suggests the best practices to resist unethical influences on leaders.

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Channels to Signal Expectations

As a leader, there are channels one can use to show what people are expected to behave in the workplace. One is working as an example, by behaving ethically as a leader; it signals that you expect the same from the people you are leading. Leading by example creates a positive impact on group members and a culture of ethics is created. Leading through example can be a perfect channel to signal expectations in the workplace. It is also the most impactful channel. Two is through direct address, although this channel may appear random, it is sometimes good to make it clear how you want people to behave in the workplace and remove any doubt. This channel will instill discipline among members in the workplace. Three is by is through any formal communication bet it in writing or electronic. This channel ensures that everyone in the workplace receives information about how to behave. Lastly is through visions, missions, and goals of an organization. Vision and mission statements and even messages in logos speak a lot about a certain organization and how the workers might be expected to behave.

Managing Interpersonal Relationships

Workmates share a lot in terms of social behavior, physical space, and even emotional behaviors which may be compromising the workplace climate. It is always important to manage interpersonal relationships among workers to provide a conducive environment where everyone will be comfortable. This can be achieved in different ways. By being able to manage how people relate to one another in a workplace, it will boost the performance of workers and reduce unnecessary conflicts that may arise from time to time within the course of work.

Practices to Resist Unethical Influences

Some best practices have been described by Craig E. Johnson that will enable a leader to resist any form of influence that may change the stand in ethical behavior. One practice is by being honest with what you are doing and this will keep away any influence that might arise. Being firm in maintaining your principles also help to keep the bad influences at bay (Johnson&Hackman, 2018). Fairness to everyone is another practice that will enable every leader to avoid being lured into unethical practices trough influence.

Conclusion

Ethical issues are what have been on trial for several years as far as leadership is concerned. Through some of the guidelines which have been given by Craig E. Johnson in chapter seven, it is clear that it is possible to maintain ethical behaviors as a leader

References

Johnson, C. E. (2018). Building an Ethical Small Group (Chapter 9 of Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership).

Johnson, C. E., & Hackman, M. Z. (2018). Leadership: A communication perspective. Waveland Press.