Comments on: Help Wanted: Leaders with Moral Courage

By: Kevin Adkins USMC(Ret)

Kevin Adkins USMC(Ret) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:14:07 +0000

I would like to add to your Moral Courage expressions to your audience through a writing that was found on a rations container during the Vietnam Conflict, authored by an unknown Marine (unknown location within Vietnam and unknown dat).

“A Marine willing to terminate his life during a fire fight should be no less willing to terminate his career through the candid, professional expressions to his seniors, whether solicited or not. The risk is not to the critic, but to the Corps if there were no critics.”

This writing has hung on my wall and I am glad to see some one else discuss the flaw that many turn a blind eye too in every industry. The aforementioned writing is an excellent facilitator to character building and sustainment as it serves as a reminder to those who read it as the enter my work space; “Rank, position, billet, nor authority makes you right; experience, integrity, and moral courage to travel the difficult path does.”

Respectfully and Semper Fidelis,

Kevin Adkins USMC(Ret)

By: Godec Randall » Blog Archive » Coffee, Clear Communication, Calls & Cranky Characters

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:39:02 +0000

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By: mark allen roberts

mark allen roberts — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:45:28 +0000

Great Blog,

I often have to fight the group think myself. It is much easier not to be the company Heretic, but the moral courage route takes guts.
It all comes down to what you are chasing…Numbers? Or do you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of your internal and external customers.

Perhaps Moral courage is what separates the market leaders from the rest?

I wonder, does morale courage slip when business declines or get stronger?

Mark Allen Roberts

By: Robert Comer

Robert Comer — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:26:37 +0000

You give give a lot of great advice about doing the right thing;
not always an easy decision. I have been faced with tribal politics over the years that would challenge my own moral decisions. I always tried to do the moral and ethical decision, not just to protect myself but the tribe as well. I can think of only one time it didn’t work out. Still I feel better about myself for doing the right thing.

Great post Art!

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Wed, 26 May 2010 21:17:57 +0000

Thanks, Michael! Your employees are/have been fortunate people to work for someone with your character and willingness to pay attention. -Art

By: Michael Ray Hopkin

Michael Ray Hopkin — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:11:56 +0000

Art, nice post and very fitting for today’s workplace. It’s can be difficult to stand up for the right things when the people at the top are the ones making the call.

The thing that’s worked best for me as a leader is to encourage people to push back and bring up things they feel are out of line. When people know their leader not only is willing to hear but also expects them to push back, they are much more inclined to do so. This leads to increased productivity and a much more pleasant and fulfilling workplace.

-Michael

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:00:45 +0000

Louise, thanks so much for reading and commenting! Great to have you here. Your statistics are sobering to say the least, and reflective of serious problems with leaders and leadership. -Art

By: Louise Altman - The Intentional Workplace

Louise Altman - The Intentional Workplace — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:38:53 +0000

Hi Art – my 1st comment to your excellent blog. Your important post could not be more timely. How many studies and surveys do we need to convince leaders and senior management that most workplace cultures are in deep trouble?

Disengaged seems too small a word to describe workers today. People are scared, angry and resentful. Yes, they may be working 19th century hours to keep their jobs and because most employees are committed to doing a good job – but this is not sustainable.

In a recent conference workshop we did on Trust, only 1/4 of the audience said they trust their managers and their organizations. About 1/3 said they will leave their jobs as soon as the market is more mobile.

Accountability, transparency, responsibility and above all MORAL Courage is desperately needed at this time. Nothing less will reconnect and re-engage workers. They’ve seen and heard it all, their cynicism is palpable.
Thx for a great post!