Leadership Wisdom of the Week #2

“The ultimate point of studying leadership is ‘What is good leadership?’ The use of the word good here has two senses; morally good and technically good or effective.”

– Joanne Ciulla (Leadership Ethics: Mapping the Territory)

Joanne Ciulla is one of my favourite researchers on ethical leadership. In this quote, she captures the core question shared by all leadership scholars: How do we define leadership that not only treats individuals, communities, and the environment with care, but also delivers the outcomes that organisations expect?

For individual leaders, these two dimensions—and the balance between them—offer a powerful lens for reflecting on the effectiveness of their own leadership. Each day, we can ask ourselves:

• How much time have I spent reflecting on the moral dimension of my leadership? Have I done the right thing? What are the consequences of my leadership for the people I lead—and for others?
• How much time have I spent considering the results of my leadership? Am I guiding people in the right direction? How are my actions contributing to the short-term and long-term success of the organisation?

Sometimes—especially when things get busy—we fall into the trap of leading reactively, without pausing to consider the two sides of good leadership. We move from one situation to the next, focused only on getting through. But when we take a step back and view our leadership through a broader lens—one that aims for both moral integrity and effectiveness—we become more grounded. We gain confidence in our leadership, and even the tough moments become easier to navigate.