The Role of Ethical Leadership in Fostering a Culture of Integrity

With Don Wharton of SureSwift Capital

Most businesses have done some thinking about ethics — in the form of Core Values, a mission, or a code of conduct dispersed to new team members. Recent years have proven something most of us already could have guessed: that companies with a strong ethical foundation perform better. Unfortunately, as companies are feeling the pressure of a changing economic situation, the ethics and values that were taken for granted can begin to erode. That’s why thinking about ethics concretely is a necessity, even in times (like right now) when it feels like there are hundreds of other priorities.

At SureSwift, we know that leadership plays a critical role in shaping the ethical tone of an organization and fostering a culture of integrity. We prioritize ethical leadership in all levels of our organization; from the CEO to product managers and beyond, our leaders set the standard for team behavior through their own actions.

Recently, SureSwift Chairman Don Wharton took some time to reflect on what makes a great ethical leader, at SureSwift and the world at large. In his article Fostering a Culture of Integrity: SureSwift’s Don Wharton on Leadership, he discussed red flags, positive examples, and these best practices for ethical leadership:

High Ethical Standards: Lead by Example

The values and behaviors exhibited by leaders have a profound impact on the actions and attitudes of their team members. Leaders who prioritize ethical standards and responsible decision-making establish a foundation for their organizations that fosters trust, accountability, and respect. Examples at the top (positive or negative) set the tone for an entire company.

At SureSwift, our leaders understand this, recognizing that their actions are the most powerful tool they have in shaping team culture. They know that they must demonstrate their own commitment to ethical standards if they want their team members to do the same. We’re proud to have leaders that consistently exhibit high ethical standards and make responsible decisions, even when faced with difficult challenges.

By doing so, our leaders inspire their team members to make ethical choices and contribute to the long-term success of the organization. This top-down approach to ethical business promotes trust and accountability, which, in turn, fosters teamwork, innovation, and productivity in a way toxic workplaces can’t.

Open Door, Open Book

Being receptive to feedback is a key characteristic of great leaders. They recognize that feedback is a valuable tool for personal and professional growth, and they actively seek it out. At SureSwift, we believe that feedback should flow freely, up and down the organization, and across all departments. Our leaders encourage open and honest communication, making it safe for team members to provide feedback without fear of retribution.

In addition to being open to receiving feedback, great leaders are skilled at providing feedback in a manner that is constructive and respectful. They understand that feedback is not about criticizing or finding fault, but about helping team members improve and grow. Our leaders understand that criticism isn’t about punching down or pushing off responsibility, but a key tool to help team members identify areas where they can improve and offer suggestions for how to do so.

Listening is also an important aspect of being receptive to feedback. Great leaders actively listen to their stakeholders and team members, asking questions to gain a better understanding of their perspective. They value diverse viewpoints and recognize the importance of understanding different perspectives to make informed decisions.

At SureSwift, we believe that feedback is a two-way street, and that everyone has a role to play in giving and receiving feedback. By fostering a culture of open communication and feedback, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported in their personal and professional growth.

Clear Vision

Effective leaders not only have a clear understanding of the company’s mission and values, but they also understand their own roles, responsibilities, and strengths. They are aware of their own limitations and seek input from others to ensure the success of the organization. At SureSwift, our leaders actively engage with team members and encourage open communication to build a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. By seeking input from team members and acknowledging their strengths and expertise, our leaders can make informed decisions and delegate responsibilities effectively.

In addition to providing guidance and oversight, great leaders also maintain strong communication with other leaders within the company. They collaborate with other departments to ensure that the company’s overall strategy is aligned with its goals and objectives. By maintaining a clear vision, our leaders can effectively navigate complex challenges and drive the organization towards long-term success.

Keep Information Flowing

Ethical leaders understand the importance of keeping all stakeholders informed, including team members, clients, investors, and partners. They recognize that transparency builds trust and credibility, and actively work to create a culture of openness and honesty. At SureSwift, our leaders recognize the importance of keeping everyone in the loop and work diligently to communicate regularly and clearly. They share updates on company developments, progress on projects, and important decisions to ensure that everyone is aligned and has a clear understanding of the company’s direction.

In addition to promoting open communication, ethical leaders encourage collaboration and teamwork. They recognize that working together towards a common goal can generate better results and foster a culture of trust and accountability. While the SureSwift model requires a level of autonomy for our businesses, we’ve implemented strategies to build connections across our portfolio where team members can ask questions and share expertise with people they may not run into (or Slack) every day. By implementing efficient systems and processes for information sharing, our leaders enable team members to access the information they need quickly and easily.

Continually Seek Improvement

A key responsibility of leaders is to implement processes for continual improvement. At SureSwift, our leaders are always seeking new ways to improve the organization, whether it’s by streamlining processes, improving communication, or investing in employee development. By implementing processes for continual improvement, our leaders ensure that the organization is always evolving and adapting to meet the needs of its stakeholders.

A great leader knows there’s no “end” of the journey when it comes to learning, and those are the kind of people (like Don Wharton) we love to have on board at SureSwift. A great leader shares a lot of traits with a great Founder, never letting go of that hungry and humble attitude that got them their start.

At the heart of every thriving organization lies a strong culture of integrity, and ethical leadership is the key to unlocking it. At SureSwift, we know this all too well, and that’s why we take ethical leadership seriously, from the very top to the bottom rungs of our company ladder. Our leaders not only set the tone for the rest of us, but they also lead by example, upholding the highest ethical standards, and promoting transparency and accountability at every turn. They keep their doors open to ideas and feedback, always striving for a clearer, more compelling vision of our shared goals. They’re also not afraid to admit their mistakes and learn from them, as they know that continual self-improvement is essential to staying on the right path.