We can talk forever about the value of contemplative prayer, personal growth and ethics. If we ever reach the end, we still have to stand up and ”be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only”. If we want ethical behavior, we have to incarnate it in our own organizations. In the words of the US Army manual for senior (i.e. three-star) commanders:
"Senior leaders and commanders have specific ethical responsibilities to their organizations. These responsibilities flow directly from the attributes required of senior leaders to successfully implement their vision. First, they are worthy role models. Second, they promote the ethical development of their subordinates by teaching them how to reason clearly about ethical matters. Finally, they sustain an ethical climate that promotes trust and professional commitment." (From FM 22-103 LEADERSHIP and COMMAND at SENIOR LEVEL, p.18)
Patrick Lang gives us an example of standard setting by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He compares it to the failure of a previous Chairman to speak up to President Lyndon Johnson on Vietnam. His post and the comments reveal moral passion among professional military officers.
I often quote Gregory Pierce on workplace spirituality. Pierce lists ten disciplines for practicing spirituality in the world of work. Personal growth through prayer is the foundation – but if a leader is to practice spirituality in the world we must set an example of ethical integrity.
Patrick Lang has done us a favor by highlighting this example.
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