THE ETHICS OF LEADERSHIP

1. THE ETHICS OF LEADERSHIP Legalwise Seminar 9 March 2011

2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LAWYER? 1763 – Bentham questions Blackstone Member of a learned and noble profession Practice of law is a privilege – wise and dispassionate advice Duty to serve the public ethically, diligently and competently Ethical Duties - to the Court, to the Client

3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LEADER? Good leader = ethical leader Ethical leadership – self-knowledge Connection between ethics and values Moral activism

4. ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN PRACTISE • Ethical leaders must model desired behaviours – creates trust • Focus on organisational purpose to set leadership path • Encouraging people to follow the path • Ultimate Goal – influence organisational culture

5. MANAGEMENT versus LEADERSHIP • Managers focus on day to day activities – drive and control approach • Managers are risk-averse – leaders are risk seeking • Management is a transactional role – authority • Leadership – strategic focus

6. ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE – LAW FIRM STRUCTURES Establish an effective management infrastructure regardless of practice type Identify role and goal of management Example – incorporated legal practices – no “management speak” Legal practitioner director – appropriate management systems

7. THE ETHICS OF LEADERSHIP “ALL LAWYERS ARE FRAUDS!” CONFRONTING REAL CHALLENGES - ETHICS v PROFIT