Not everyone is born a leader. You can determine who is a leader and who is a manager by their actions. If you are mandating tasks, you are a manager. If you are empowering others to grow in their gifting and talents, you are a leader. A manager sees employees as a means to an end. A leader sees potential in their team and wants them to succeed just as much as they want the company to thrive. More importantly, a great leader leads with integrity and aims to be an ethical leader—someone who is grounded in values and moral principles.
How to Be an Ethical Leader Others Want to Follow
Identify your values and beliefs
Being an ethical leader starts with understanding what matters to you. Your values influence every decision you make and set the tone for your business culture.
Be kind
Have you ever heard the phrase, “They may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel”? Courtesy goes a long way. Your team will feel seen and respected when you treat them well.
Stick to your truth
It’s tempting to chase fast growth at the expense of ethics. But an ethical leader chooses long-term trust over short-term gain. Staying true to your principles will attract partners and clients who align with your vision.
Hire people who share your standards
Cultural fit matters. Tools like the Enneagram can help you better understand how potential hires operate. Look for teammates who value integrity and accountability as much as you do.
Be honest and fair
Every employee wants to feel like their voice matters. Invite feedback, even when it’s hard to hear. Growth happens when leaders acknowledge blind spots and respond with humility.
Lead by example
Your team is watching. How you respond to stress, conflict, and success says everything about the kind of leader you are. An ethical leader leads from within—balancing confidence with compassion, and strength with transparency.
If you want people to trust your leadership, it starts with being the kind of person who earns it daily. Ethical leadership isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment to show up with integrity, even when no one is watching.