Main Discussion 1 Based On The Readings For The Week

Main Discussion 1 Based On The Readings For The Week Would You Say T

Based on the weekly readings, this discussion explores the ethical dimensions of Steve Jobs's leadership style, evaluating whether he exemplified ethical leadership, and reflects on the respondent's own leadership stance as an acolyte or rejector, including responses to peers' observations. The core focus is to analyze Steve Jobs's leadership traits through an ethical lens, considering both positive and negative aspects, and to compare personal leadership philosophy with that of Jobs.

Paper For Above instruction

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., remains one of the most influential yet controversial figures in technological history. His leadership style has often been scrutinized for its ethical implications, prompting debates about whether he embodied ethical leadership or whether his methods were predominantly unethical. Analyzing Jobs's traits through the lens of ethical leadership reveals a complex picture, combining elements of honesty and justice with behaviors that challenge traditional ethical standards.

One of the key characteristics that highlight Jobs's ethical traits was his unwavering commitment to honesty. He believed in transparency in communicating his vision and expectations to his team, which fostered a culture of innovation and dedication. For example, despite the intense pressure and high standards he set, Jobs was known to tell the truth about product development and company performance directly and candidly (Isaacson, 2011). Furthermore, he promoted a sense of justice within the organization by rewarding excellence and demanding accountability from his employees, regardless of their status or familiarity with him. This stance exemplifies fairness and a relentless pursuit of excellence—traits often associated with ethical leadership.

However, on the other hand, several of Jobs's behaviors raise questions about his adherence to ethical principles. His treatment of employees and colleagues frequently involved profanity, harsh critiques, and a lack of consideration for personal feelings—behaviors that contradict the compassion and respect central to ethical leadership (Kahney, 2013). For instance, the firing of a quarter of the Lisa computer team in 1994, with accusations of their failure and calling them "B or C players," exemplifies a disregard for the well-being and dignity of his staff. Such actions suggest that his pursuit of excellence sometimes overshadowed ethical considerations related to compassion and empathy (Austen, 2012).

In addition, Jobs's leadership style often involved taking credit for others' innovations, which can be ethically problematic. While he was undeniably a visionary, claiming personal achievement for team efforts can undermine trust and morale within an organization. This behavior conflicts with the ethical principle of honesty, as recognition is a cornerstone of trustworthy leadership relationships (Brown & Treviño, 2006).

From a personal perspective, I would categorize my leadership philosophy as a combination of being an acolyte and a rejector. Like an acolyte, I value ambition, striving for excellence, and self-improvement. However, I reject the extreme behaviors often associated with unconventional leadership that neglect ethical considerations, such as harsh criticism or taking unwarranted credit. I believe that effective leadership balances high standards with compassion, integrity, and respect for others.

In relation to Steve Jobs, I would demand a standard of excellence from my team akin to his vision but would prioritize ethical conduct and emotional intelligence. Instead of using profanity or harsh language, I would provide honest, constructive feedback aimed at motivating and encouraging growth. Recognizing team members' contributions honestly fosters a positive work environment and sustains motivation (HBR, 2018). Moreover, I would avoid behaviors that diminish others' dignity, understanding that ethical leaders serve not only organizational goals but also uphold the dignity and well-being of their employees. This approach aligns with the broader concept of ethical leadership, emphasizing accountability, fairness, and respect.

In conclusion, while Steve Jobs demonstrated certain ethical traits like honesty and a commitment to excellence, his leadership was also characterized by behaviors that conflict with ethical standards, such as harsh treatment, favoritism, and taking undue credit. My own leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of balancing high standards with ethical conduct, inspiring trust and loyalty among team members. Ethical leadership is fundamental for sustainable success, fostering a culture where innovation and integrity go hand in hand.

References

• Austen, B. (2012, July 23). The story of Steve Jobs: An inspiration or a cautionary tale? Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.example.com
• Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical leadership: A review and future directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595–616.
• Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
• Kahney, L. (2013). Inside Steve's Brain. Portfolio/Penguin.
• Harvard Business Review. (2018). Building Ethical Cultures in Organizations. Harvard Business Publishing.
• Stark, A. (1993). What's the matter with business ethics? Harvard Business Review, 71(3), 38-48.
• Grow, B., Foust, D., Thornton, E., Farzad, R., McGregor, J., & Zegal, S. (2007). Out at home depot. Business Week.
• Charan, R. (2006). Home Depot’s blueprint for culture change. Harvard Business Review, 84(4), 60-70.