Integrity first: Ethics for leaders and followers

Senior-level executives identify integrity as the most important characteristic for effective leaders and followers. We agree that integrity is vital, but not the only important ethical issue in leadership. We set forth an ethical framework as the basis for examining ethical leadership and followership in organizations. While individual integrity is essential, it is not sufficient to ensure an organizational culture of integrity and virtue. To achieve a culture of organizational integrity
requires not only attention to personal accountability, but also leadership from the top and codes of conduct with effective enforcement mechanisms. The eight articles that follow address the key leadership issues of character and coaching,
as well as the context in which leadership development occurs. Cultures that foster great leadership, like BNSF and West Point, are explored. Resonant leadership and heroic leadership are advanced. In addition, emotional intelligence, eustress (the positive side of stress), the challenges and dilemmas of leading coaches like Tom Osborne, Bobby Knight, and Joe Paterno are examined in thoughtful and insightful ways by leading authors. The call of Theodore Roosevelt over a century ago for good and moral leaders is heard again in this special issue.