It could be said Benedict XVI has decided it would be ethically wrong to continue in the job if he cannot be effective.
Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation may serve as an example governance professionals can use to discuss their code of conduct and how the actions of leaders in an organization can affect ethical culture.
News reports suggest that Benedict XVI will be only the third Pope to resign in history, all others dying in the position, so this break from the norm was bound to raise eyebrows. Resignations are often accompanied by negative connotations, but this Pope has explained he is stepping down because he feels he is no longer up to the job, physically or psychologically. Instead of seeing resignation as a disgrace, Benedict XVI is using it to demonstrate his commitment to seeing the organization function at its highest levels. It could be said he has decided it would be ethically wrong to continue in the job if he cannot be effective.
Most of us won’t have to decide whether or not to resign if we feel we are not performing at peak levels, but if an organization’s code of conduct is working, employees will at least consider the organization’s health and well-being over their own – just as the Pope has done. Then, after taking things into consideration, they will take the action that is in the best interest of the organization – just as the Pope has done.
For governance professionals, that might mean demonstrating by your actions that you are committed to doing things the right way, even if shortcuts present themselves. Or it could mean blowing the whistle on corruption in the workplace, or establishing a higher standard of ethical culture in your department than existed before you arrived.
The biggest lesson here, however, is that when leaders show they are willing to hold themselves to high ethical standards, this has a powerful effect on an organization’s code of conduct and ethical culture. Everyone has taken notice of the Pope’s actions and it will be interesting to see what the long-term effects will be.
Are you going to be a leader today?
