ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

More and more Hotel Managers and Hotel organisations are recognising the value of ‘ethical
leadership’.
These natural laws or ethical principles have been around for centuries. Many people might even
describe them as the foundation of our civilisation.
Ethical principles often surface in the ideas of our religions, such as kindness, helping
others, justice, fairness and equity, and some of them also run very deep in our Hotels. You have
only to hear a member of your Hotel Team’s shout of “It’s not fair!” or that they are not getting
“our fair share” to understand this.
In a Hotel we are more likely to trust those whose actions are based on these principles of natural
justice, fairness and equity; we are more likely to see them as our natural Hotel Leaders - to be
naturally followed.
Our values, beliefs and principles are relatively hard to change, so we instinctively understand
that those who demonstrate these natural laws at the Hotel are more likely to be trustworthy.
We can change the way we behave at the Hotel relatively easily, but not the values that underlie
that behaviour, and which are underpinned by these principles.

Ethical leadership is a form of leadership in which individuals demonstrate conduct for the
common good that is acceptable and appropriate in every area of their life. 
Be the Example A valuable quality of an Ethical Leader is leading by example. As an ethical
leader, it’s important to remember that what we do, often is more significant than what we say.
People are more likely to judge someone based on how they act, rather than what they say.
By practising and demonstrating the use of ethical, honest and unselfish behaviour within the
Hotel, ethical leaders may begin to earn the respect of their Teams. People will be more likely to
follow a Hotel Leader who respects others and shows integrity.

Champion the Importance of Ethics One role of an Ethical Leader is focusing on the overall
importance of ethics, including ethical standards and other ethical issues, and how these factors
can influence everything from their Hotel to their society.
As an Ethical Leader, it’s important to teach others about ethics, especially in situations when we
are faced with an ethical issue in the Hotel workplace or local community.
Communicate Successful Ethical Leaders tend to be better honest and open communicators. As
you know - Hoteliers communicate in different ways. But, it’s an ethical leader’s job to
communicate with every member of their Hotel Team, allowing open conversation, as many
Hoteliers will have questions and concerns that need addressing.
It is important for Hotel Leaders to build companionship with their team; such quality
relationships tend to be built on trust, fairness, integrity, openness, compassion and respect. Such
core values tend to be displayed more openly by a Hotel Leader who has strong ethical
standards.
Do you agree?