A Critical Rung on the Ladder to Success

Corporate morality plays a critical role in corporate success.

One need only to listen to tales regaled by consumers who hesitate or refuse to purchase products from companies that have engaged in moral dysfunction to know it is true. Add to that, the growing list of investors and consumers who limit their purchases to companies that match the buyer’s personal standards.

Without a clear moral beacon, an organization risks devastating financial failure.
The authors argue that without moral intelligence, long-term business success is not sustainable.

For years we have recognized the difference between cognitive and emotional intelligence. Moral Intelligence, the authors argue is another distinct division. They define it as the ability to determine how universal human principles – like the “golden rule” – should be applied to our personal values, goals and actions.

The book focuses on four principles that are vital for sustained personal and organizational success:

1. Integrity
2. Responsibility
3. Compassion
4. Forgiveness

The authors admit that emotional and moral intelligence comes into play when more decisions are at stake. Yet it is obvious that there is a boundary. Without a moral anchor, leaders can be charismatic and influential, but in a profound destructive manner.

Doug Lennick and Fred Kiel draw on extensive original research to demonstrate the best performing companies have leaders with a strong moral compass. Their ability to never waiver pays even in a world that often rewards bad behavior in the short run. ( )