It’s that time again, readers! We’re wrapping up another
course along the way to being an educated leader. This week, I’ll discuss three
key takeaways from this course on ethics
and the value of taking a course like this.
I think my first big moment in class was learning about
deontology and consequentialism. These two fundamental ideas about ethics
really helped me understand the structure of many ethical arguments.
Deontologists believe that we should follow the rules, no
matter what the result. They believe the rules are in place for a reason and
therefore should be followed, no matter the consequences. I think about the “third-strike”
rule in some courts of law. If a perpetrator appears is found guilty of a third
crime, there are very prescriptive rules
about how a judge must sentence the individual. There are cases where the sentence
seemed far too harsh for the crime that was the person’s “third-strike”. Deontologists
do not take issue with the apparent dissonance. The rules are the rules.
Consequentialists look at how things could or will turn out
and determine the justice of the issue. Will the result be just? Will the best
answer be the outcome? Consequentialists will examine the possible results and
then decide if something is ethical. In the “third-strike” legal scenario
above, consequentialists did not find the law ethical. The ends did not always
justify the means.
My takeaway from
studying these two perspectives was an understanding that we can move between
the two as we investigate the ethics of an argument or situation. We do not
have to pick one side or the other. Recognizing that fact was a keystone to my
understanding of ethics.
My second takeaway was
a reinforcement of how important being an ethical leader is to building unity.
My term paper for the class was a study of two leaders that approached ethics
in different manners. One was adamant that he and his people would act in an ethical
manner at all times. His legacy is one of building teams that took on seemingly
unwinnable situations and succeeding. The other leader did not demonstrate a
propensity for acting ethically or expecting the people who worked for him to
act in an ethical manner. His legacy has been one of divisiveness and controversy.
The example set by the ultimate leader has a strong possibility that it will
pervade their entire organization. Keep that in mind as you move up the ranks.
The third takeaway I
have from the class was from our study of the ethics around the farming and eating
of animals. I had not taken much time to truly examine the issues surrounding
the topic. After researching the farming industry and learning more about the
ethical issues I was, frankly, shocked. We have to come up with better ways to
get protein to people. The system is not only unethical in the way it treats
the animals, it is too inefficient to fulfill the needs of the planet in the
long run. I am going to decrease the amount of meat that I consume and hope,
someday, I can stop eating meat.
I found this course very valuable. I wasn’t sure I would when I signed up for it. The class gave
me tools for understanding other people’s perspectives, or at least a way to
try and see other people’s perspectives. As a tool for enhancing my critical
thinking skills, this class filled the bill. Looking at how or why something,
someone, or some idea may be ethical requires one to investigate multiple perspectives.
I feel this class dovetails well with the
other classes in the curriculum because I could feel the act of critical
thinking becoming more natural. I didn’t have to think about it, it just
happened. I appreciated the Professor’s inputs as he steered our on-line
conversations to make sure we were seeing the applicability of the class, too.
I’m very glad to have had the class and recommend all aspiring leaders do the same.
See you in a few weeks for Resonant Leadership – Leading through
Change!
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