There are countless examples of leaders exercising their role without integrity. And yet, the impartiality of the team manager is today a key element in determining the trust and investment of employees. So how can the leader avoid bias? What does it mean to be an "ethical leader"? Focus on this "new definition" of manager 2.0!
The ethical leader: definition and qualities
The ethical leader is above all attentive and aware of what surrounds him or her on a daily basis. This is their main quality. A true leader, he faces situations head-on, without letting himself be led by habits that could be unfavorable.
Motivating and benevolent, the leader remains faithful to moral principles "universally" recognized in business. His leitmotiv? To respect the rights and needs of his employees. As such, they have a genuine social responsibility to protect personal integrity, prevent harassment and denounce all acts of discrimination.
Ethical leaders have recognizable personality traits. They have a high level of humility and impartiality when leading a team. The latter is the cornerstone of ethical leadership.
Impartiality and integrity as a leader: essential?
When it comes to managing potential conflicts, leaders demonstrate exemplary integrity. He takes no sides in his judgment, observes strict objectivity and is fair-minded. In other words, they do not allow themselves to be influenced or corrupted.
In other words, the leader will be consistent between what he really thinks, what he says and what he does. Quite a program!
There's a real logic, a red thread between his values, his beliefs, his actions and his decision-making. Impartiality is therefore essential to gain the trust of employees and increase the credibility gauge.
However, the leader is still a human being, with his or her emotions and experience... and is therefore vulnerable: when put to the test of reality, he or she may find it difficult not to take sides!
GOOD TO KNOW
Ethical leaders do not abuse their hierarchical power. On the contrary, they seek to establish a horizontal relationship to facilitate team management.
4 tips to reduce bias in the workplace
Listen to all sides
Team leaders show respect for their colleagues. In the event of a dispute, he knows how to remain neutral and factual. In short, he's interested in the facts! He listens attentively to each side as they express themselves, respecting their opinions and ideas.
Putting affinities aside
Being a leader of integrity also means showing great honesty in the most difficult situations. Here again, the leader knows how to position himself and make decisions, regardless of the relationship he has with his colleagues. He is therefore capable of recognizing the responsibility of each party, as well as his own, if he is involved in a conflict.
Of course, the ethical leader favors inclusion and diversity.
Inclusive leadership
Use tools to avoid bias
When it's difficult to remain neutral, the ethical leader can take advantage of tools. The aim is to limit personal bias, which can influence decision-making.
Some companies create a code of ethics (or code of conduct) to define the common values shared by all employees. They may also include contracts with specific clauses to frame collaboration, particularly with external service providers.
Of course, it's difficult to cover every eventuality. These documents and tools exist to support conflict management, and provide broad guidelines.
Example: do you need a system to manage time and attendance? The "time clock" is an impartial tool that will avoid disagreements.
Set aside your prejudices
To be impartial, leaders must set aside their own opinions in favor of a shared corporate culture. Prejudices must therefore be set aside, in order to judge a situation without bias.
As you can see, the hands-on manager will be an ethical leader. Transparent, honest and impartial, he or she reinforces virtuous behavior, and enables every employee to find his or her place within the company. What if this was the key to meeting the many challenges we face?
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