Doing What Is Right v Doing The Right Thing

Inspire & Motivate

Doing What Is Right’ versus ‘Doing the Right Thing’. Discuss and debate these statements in the context of leadership theories.

The phrases 'doing what is right' and 'doing the right thing' are often used interchangeably. However, in the context of leadership, there is a subtle difference between the two. 'Doing what is right' refers to following established rules, procedures, and protocols to make decisions, while 'doing the right thing' means making the most ethical decision in a particular situation, even if it goes against established rules.

The concept of doing what is right is often associated with transactional leadership, where leaders are primarily focused on maintaining the status quo and achieving objectives within an existing framework. This style of leadership emphasises adhering to established procedures and policies to achieve predetermined goals, and rewards individuals based on their performance in meeting those objectives. According to Burns (1978), this style of leadership is best suited for organisations that are stable, with predictable outcomes and a clear set of rules.

Transformational Leadership

On the other hand, doing the right thing is more commonly associated with transformational leadership. This leadership style emphasises individual creativity, ethical decision-making, and the development of subordinates' leadership skills. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their followers to go beyond the status quo and challenge established norms. According to Bass (1985), transformational leadership focuses on creating a vision for the future, communicating that vision effectively, and inspiring followers to work towards that vision.

In practice, both approaches have their place in leadership, and the choice of which approach to use depends on the specific circumstances. However, most scholars believe that transformational leadership is more effective in today's complex, rapidly changing business environment. By prioritising ethical decision-making and individual creativity, transformational leaders can help their organisations adapt to change and remain competitive.

In conclusion, 'doing what is right' and 'doing the right thing' are both important concepts in leadership. However, in today's complex business environment, where change is constant and rules may not always be sufficient, 'doing the right thing' is often the more effective approach. By emphasising ethical decision-making, individual creativity, and the development of subordinates' leadership skills, transformational leaders can help their organisations thrive in a dynamic and unpredictable business landscape.

Further Information

· Burns, J.M. (1978). Leadership. New York: Harper and Row.

· Bass, B.M. (1985). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. New York: Free Press.

· Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

James MacGregor Burns Biography

James MacGregor Burns (1918-2014) was an American political scientist and historian who is best known for his work on leadership theory. Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, Burns attended Williams College and received his PhD from Harvard University in 1947. Burns was a prolific author, with over twenty books to his name. His most famous work, 'Leadership', was published in 1978 and has become a classic in the field of leadership studies. In the book, Burns distinguished between transactional and transformational leadership and argued that the latter was more effective in inspiring followers to work towards a common goal.

In addition to his academic work, Burns was involved in politics and public service. He served as a senior advisor to several US presidents, including John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Burns was also active in the Democratic Party and ran for political office himself in the 1980s. Burns received numerous awards and honours throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize in History in 1971 for his book 'Roosevelt: The Lion and the Fox'. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Council on Foreign Relations. James MacGregor Burns was a prominent scholar and public figure whose work on leadership theory has had a lasting impact on the field.

Gary Yukl Biography

Gary Yukl is an American psychologist and management scholar who is best known for his work on leadership and management. He was born in New Jersey in 1940 and received his PhD in Industrial-Organisational Psychology from Ohio State University in 1968. Yukl has had a distinguished academic career, holding positions at several universities, including the University of Albany, State University of New York, and the University at Buffalo, where he is currently a Professor of Management. He has authored numerous books and articles on leadership, including 'Leadership in Organizations', which is in its ninth edition.

Yukl's research has focused on various aspects of leadership, including the role of power and influence, the relationship between leaders and followers, and the impact of culture and diversity on leadership effectiveness. He has also explored the similarities and differences between leadership and management, and the challenges of leading in complex and dynamic environments. In addition to his academic work, Yukl has consulted for numerous organisations, including General Electric, Procter & Gamble, and the US Army. He has also served on the editorial boards of several leading academic journals and has received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the field of management. Gary Yukl's work has had a significant impact on the study and practice of leadership and management. His research has helped to shape our understanding of what makes an effective leader and how leadership can be developed and nurtured over time.

Monologue

'Doing What Is Right' Versus 'Doing the Right Thing':

When it comes to leadership, there are two phrases that often get thrown around: 'doing what is right' and 'doing the right thing.' They may sound similar, but in practice, they are quite different.

'Doing what is right' is all about following the rules, adhering to established procedures, and doing what is expected of you. It's a safe and predictable way of operating, and it's often associated with transactional leadership. This type of leadership is focused on achieving predetermined goals and maintaining the status quo. It's a straightforward way of leading, and it's well-suited for stable organisations with predictable outcomes.

On the other hand, 'doing the right thing' is a bit more complicated. It's about making the most ethical decision in a given situation, even if it goes against established rules. It's a riskier way of operating, however it can also be much more rewarding. This type of leadership is associated with transformational leadership, which is focused on inspiring and motivating followers to challenge established norms and achieve greater things.

Transformational leaders are often seen as visionaries. They inspire their followers to look beyond the status quo and to imagine a better future. They lead by example, and they prioritise ethical decision-making and individual creativity. They're not afraid to take risks, and they're not afraid to make difficult decisions.

Of course, there's a time and a place for both approaches. Sometimes, doing what is right is the best way forward. In stable organisations with clear goals, sticking to established procedures can help ensure success. However, in today's rapidly changing business environment, doing the right thing is often the more effective way of leading.

Great Leader

To be a great leader, you need to be able to balance these two approaches. You need to be able to follow established rules and procedures when appropriate, and you also need to be able to make ethical and creative decisions when the situation calls for it. It's a delicate balance, and it's what separates good leaders from great ones.

Ethical, Creative, & Forward-Thinking

In conclusion, the difference between 'doing what is right' and 'doing the right thing' is subtle and significant. It's important to be aware of these differences when leading an organisation, and to be able to adapt your leadership style accordingly. Whether you're a transactional or transformational leader, always strive to be ethical, creative, and forward-thinking. That's the mark of a truly great leader.

16 February 2023

Table of Contents

Right - Poem

‘Doing What Is Right’ versus ‘Doing the Right Thing’

Two phrases used in leadership, regarding doing anything.

Let's explore their differences, subtle and striking,

In a beguiling poem that will set you thinking.

‘Doing what is right’ sounds so proper and neat,

Following established rules, a tried-and-true feat,

Procedures, protocols, and policies to be met,

That's what makes ‘doing what is right’ an easy bet.

What of ‘doing the right thing’, how does it compare?

It's a bit more complex, and truly fair,

For doing the right thing means breaking the mould,

Breaking the rules, taking risks, and being bold.

Transactional leaders say ‘doing what is right’ is key,

The status quo must be maintained, you’ll see,

But transformational leaders disagree, and assert,

‘Doing the right thing’ is the way to proceed, and to be alert.

‘Doing the right thing’ demands a different sort of mind,

One that's open to change, and one that’s divined,

To seek the most ethical, and moral route,

Even if it means challenging, the established attribute.

‘Doing what is right’ may be safe and secure,

However, it can leave a company stagnant and unsure,

Transformational leaders, by contrast, inspire,

Their followers to innovate, to reach higher and aspire.

For a company to succeed, it needs to be agile and quick,

Ready to pivot, to change, and cherry pick,

To adapt to the times, to ride the crest of the wave,

‘Doing the right thing’, leaders need to be brave.

So, to sum it all up, what do we say?

Which of these two phrases, would hold your sway?

‘Doing what is right’, may be the easier road,

But ‘doing the right thing’, is where true leadership is bestowed.

To be a great leader, you need to be bold,

Not afraid to take risks, in order to create gold,

To do what is right, gets you off to a flying start,

And to do the right thing, is to lead with much passion and heart.

Belief - Song

Did you ever hear the tale of 'doing what is right'?

It's a safe and predictable way, to live your life,

You follow the rules, you stick to the plan,

And you'll achieve your goals, it's all well in hand.

Sometimes in life, you need to be bold,

And do the right thing, even if you're told,

That it's risky or daring, or goes against the grain,

That's when true leaders, use their brain.

Transformational leaders, they know the score,

They inspire their followers, to reach for more,

To challenge the status quo, and take a chance,

Do what is right, and to take a stance.

It's a delicate balance, you see,

To follow the rules, to still be free,

To make ethical decisions, and lead with heart,

That's what sets great leaders apart.

Don't be afraid to take a chance,

To do what is right, at first glance,

To inspire your followers, to make them believe,

They can achieve everything, they can conceive.

For in this world, you need to be bold,

And do the right thing, even if you're told,

That it's risky or daring, or goes against the grain,

That's when true leaders, use their brain.

Whether you're a transactional, or transformational leader,

Strive to be your best, and be the ringleader,

Lead with heart, to inspire and motivate,

That's the mark of a great leader, a true initiate!

Artwork

Dual Aspect Of Right

F McCullough

Information

Image Citations

Inspire & Motivate

Transformational Leadership

Further Information

James MacGregor Burns Biography

Gary Yukl Biography

Monologue

'Doing What Is Right' Versus 'Doing the Right Thing':

Great Leader

Ethical, Creative, & Forward-Thinking

Photographs & Art Works

Copyright

My Lap Shop Publishers

My Lap Shop Publishers Logo

Keywords: Doing what is right, doing the right thing, following rules, procedures, protocols, ethical decision, transformation, leadership, Individual creativity, ethical decision making, development of subordinates, leadership skills, inspire, motivate, challenge established norms, create a vision, communicating, inspiring the followers, organisations adapt to change, remain competitive, James MacGregor Burns, Leadership, Gary Yukl, leadership in organisations, way of operating, going against established rules, visionaries, imagine a better future, Adapt leadership style, Creative, forward-thinking, poem, song, artwork,

Hashtags: #Doingwhatisright, #doingtherightthing, #followingrules, #procedures, #protocols, #ethicaldecision, #transformation, #leadership, #Individualcreativity, #ethicaldecisionmaking, #developmentofsubordinates, #leadershipskills, #inspire, #motivate, #challengeestablishednorms, #createavision, #communicating, #inspiringfollowers, #organisations, #adapttochange, #remaincompetitive, #JamesMacGregorBurns, #GaryYukl, #leadershipinorganisations, #wayofoperating, #goingagainstestablishedrules, #visionaries, #imagineabetterfuture, #Adaptleadershipstyle, #Creative, #forwardthinking, #poem, #song, #artwork,

Created 16 February 2023

Published: 8 March 2023

Page URL: https://www.mylapshop.com/doingtherightthing.htm