SOCW 6070 Walden University Amy Fuller Supervision Leadership Discussion

Leaders in the social work profession must achieve a balance between your professional and personal ethics. At times, these may be aligned with each other, but there may be situations in which they conflict. Because leadership includes value and moral dimensions, your character, actions, and goals as a social work administrator should reflect ethical leadership. In the following paragraphs, this student will consider the characteristics of ethical leadership and the challenges associated with practicing ethical leadership and explain what it means to be an ethical leader and describe the challenges of being an ethical leader.

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A working definition of ethical leadership as it relates to the social work profession would be: A individual with moral compass who uses it to guide and influence others to do the right things in the right ways (Northouse, 2018). An ethical leader in a social work setting would require them to have values that coincide with the NASW Code of Ethics ethical values, be honest, and have actions that reflect them doing things the right way.

Being an ethical leader means that they must be willing to focus on their followers, which means placing the best interest of their clients before their own and acting in ways that will benefit others (Northouse, 2018). Treating everyone fairly and maintain professionalism is also a big part of being an ethical leader, doing so will set an example for their followers. One challenge that may arise when being an ethical leader is making sure to no let their difference in personal views or values negatively affect their ability to serve their clients or staff. I think we as individuals must separate our personal from professional emotions from our professional duties and it may not always be easy as a social worker.

Reference

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Sage.