Leading in the “Figure It Out” Space

By Linda Fisher Thornton

Leading in the “figure it out” space is one of the most important roles of ethical leadership. When the way forward isn’t clear, and there are ethical issues to be considered, the best leaders admit that the next step is not clear cut and will need to be worked through. They start a conversation with their teams to engage them in the messy process of considering the most responsible way forward.

It's easy to think that the organization's values are self-explanatory, but people have deep questions about how to apply them in their daily work. The problem is that employees will only feel comfortable speaking up about what's on their minds when a safe space for dialogue has been created and a high trust culture has been built.
- Linda Fisher Thornton

When we ask questions about ethics, and open the conversation, it is important to set aside our need to be “right” so we can hear the important issues our team members and colleagues may raise. We have to avoid rushing to judgment. When we make a decision on a complex ethical issue too quickly, we may oversimplify the decision-making process and miss key variables that should be considered. We need to be patient and gather input as the process of figuring it out plays out.

It is the struggle to “figure out” how to apply the organization’s values in day to day work and leadership that brings them to life.
Linda Fisher Thornton

Values (when brought to life) live in the collective organizational space, not in the domain of any one leader. They also live in the “figure it out” space. When working through ethical issues, being willing to take the time to work through the messy process of considering multiple variables and options is what builds trust and brings ethical values to life.