I tend to read between 10 – 15 books during the year, but I will typically power through four or five over the Christmas holiday break alone. Having just returned from a few weeks offline, I can say that I kept true to my tradition of holiday reading and thoroughly enjoyed two crime thrillers and two memoirs. 

OK – I admit that the first memoir was Prince Harry’s Spare (please don’t judge me, I’m just being honest). The second had been recommended by a few colleagues last year – James Comey’s A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership even though it had originally been published in 2018. 

As the former Director of the FBI, Comey shares his experiences and decisions during some of the most critical moments in recent American history including the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails during the 2016 presidential campaign as well as his encounters with then-President Donald Trump who ultimately dismissed Comey in May 2017. 

The book, exploring the concept of a “higher loyalty”, asserting that leaders should prioritise moral values and the well-being of others above personal interests, is structured around the principles that guided Comey throughout his career, emphasising the importance of ethical leadership. 

While I found both memoirs intriguing (for different reasons), I certainly didn’t have the urge to highlight any excerpts from Prince Harry’s story. However, even though I was on holidays, and on a few occasions lying on a deck chair overlooking an incredibly peaceful landscape, I still found myself highlighting several lessons from James Comey’s career. 

At one point Comey writes: 

“We would teach that great leaders are 1) people of integrity and decency; 2) confident enough to be humble; 3) both kind and tough; 4) transparent; and 5) aware that we all seek meaning in work. We would also teach them that 6) what they say is important, but what they do is far more important, because their people are always watching them. 

In short, we would demand and develop ethical leaders.” 

Ethical leadership is a form of leadership that prioritises ethical behaviour, moral decision-making, and integrity in guiding and influencing others. 

Ethical leaders not only possess strong leadership skills, but also demonstrate a commitment to ethical values and principles. These leaders prioritise doing what is right, fair, and just, even when faced with difficult decisions. 

Over the years, I have coached hundreds of leaders, but I would have only described maybe a dozen as ethical leaders – at least when I was first introduced to them. 

Perhaps you’ve been guided by an ethical leader at some point in your own career?

Maybe you demonstrate some of the traits of an ethical leader yourself?

Above all, ethical leaders act with honesty and transparency, and their actions align with their words as they strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment. They are willing to admit mistakes and learn from them, and they have the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Acknowledging errors and taking responsibility for them demonstrates authenticity and accountability. 

Ethical leadership is essential for creating a positive work environment, building trust, and fostering the long-term success of an organisation.  

Leaders who prioritise ethics contribute to a culture of integrity, which, in turn, benefits both individuals and the organisation as a whole. 

Comey’s reference to great leaders being confident enough to be humble really resonated with me, probably because I have run many leadership workshops on the power of humility. He also shared how, “being confident enough to be humble – comfortable in your own skin – is at the heart of ethical leadership. That humility makes a whole lot of things possible, none more important than a single question: ‘What am I missing?’”. 

Humility in ethical leadership is about recognising one’s limitations. 

As a leader, when did you last stop and ask yourself, “What am I missing?”

By taking a moment to reflect on what they might be missing, leaders can identify potential blind spots, consider alternative perspectives, and make more informed and well-rounded decisions. Besides, leaders who acknowledge their own limitations and actively seek input from others build trust within their teams. This openness and humility creates a positive leadership culture where individuals feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best. 

Humble leaders recognise the value of diverse perspectives and actively seek input from individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, promoting a more inclusive and equitable work environment. 

Remember, your role as a leader is to instil confidence in your team members, to gain their respect and trust in your ability to guide them. Your role is not to put anyone in an awkward situation, or to make anyone think that if you’re constantly questioning yourself, then that might equate to second guessing, or perhaps not knowing what you’re doing. 

Being an ethical leader means being open and honest with your employees even if this makes you feel somewhat exposed or vulnerable.   

Remember that humility and vulnerability (along with the willingness to admit imperfections) are some of the most valuable traits of leaders today. However, at no point should this make any one of your team members feel scared or compromised. Ethical leaders with humility understand that success is a collective effort. 

This creates a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration. This selflessness also contributes to a positive and supportive workplace. 

Ethical leaders also place an incredible value on their most precious resource, have no problem expressing their gratitude, and in doing so inspire loyalty, appreciation, trust, and long-term commitment from their team members.  

Demonstrating humility can be a very successful approach to leadership on so many levels. 

Humble leaders prioritise the well-being and success of their team members over personal recognition. They are not driven by ego but rather by a genuine desire to support and empower others. Humility is also closely linked to a willingness to learn and grow. Ethical leaders with humility actively seek new knowledge, listen to different perspectives, and adapt their leadership approach based on what they learn. 

This commitment to continuous learning is essential in navigating complex ethical challenges, many of which James Comey was able to successfully navigate and mitigate during his time as FBI Director. 

Remember, Hellomonday provides coaching and support to every leader, prioritising development initiatives that result in long-term sustained learning and change, reinforcing habits through curated learning and impactful coaching, and ideally helping leaders become more ethical and more humble in their approach to what they do.