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Navigating Ethics in Leadership:
Lessons from Real-World Experience
The Practice of Inner Listening
“For several years now, I have been actively
engaged in the practice of Inner Listening,” says
Mr. Venkatesh. “This method provides a structured
approach to self-reflection and decision-making,
incorporating three critical steps: Connection,
Correction, and Direction.”
Connection: This initial step involves preparing
Venkatesh S oneself mentally and emotionally by reading
Head Risk and Internal Control, Siemens India insightful materials, choosing a specific topic for
venkatesh@siemens.com reflection, embracing moments of silence, and
seeking inner wisdom. This process is guided
by four fundamental values—Purity, Honesty,
Introduction Unselfishness, and Love—which serve as the moral
compass for all ethical decisions.
Ethics has long been the cornerstone of personal
and professional integrity, shaping the decisions Correction: Through honest self-assessment, one
we make and the actions we take. As a leader acknowledges missteps, takes corrective actions
at Siemens, S. Venkatesh has had the privilege such as issuing apologies, and commits to avoiding
of witnessing firsthand how ethical principles the same mistakes in the future. This fosters an
influence business operations, governance, and ongoing cycle of learning and ethical improvement.
personal growth.
Direction: The final step emphasizes daily
His journey in ethical decision-making has been reinforcement of ethical behavior, ensuring that
deeply enriched by the practice of Inner Listening, ethical standards are consistently upheld in personal
which has enabled him to align his actions with and professional life.
values that promote fairness, transparency, and
accountability. Challenges in Ethical Decision-Making
Building on these experiences, a deeper Many times, we face situations that compel us to
understanding of ethical leadership emerges question the viability of ethical conduct. Several
through real-life challenges and decisions. In factors contribute to ethical lapses, including:
a candid discussion, S. Venkatesh shared key
moments from his journey—instances where • Fear of Loss: Ethical choices can sometimes
ethical dilemmas tested his principles and how he lead to financial setbacks, reputational damage,
navigated them with integrity. His reflections offer or personal sacrifices.
valuable takeaways on fostering an ethical culture, • Comparative Ethics: The perception that
making principled decisions, and embedding others are not adhering to ethical norms can
ethics into everyday leadership. lead to rationalizations for unethical behavior.
• Ambiguity in Rules: Some ethical challenges
Here are the key insights from his journey as a arise when established guidelines are unclear or
leader in ethics. open to interpretation.
15 INTERNAL AUDIT TODAY
