Linda Fisher Thornton sees the higher good with ethical decision making

By: Cathy Jett, VPC past president 

Linda Fisher Thornton, author of “7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership,” was the capstone speaker at VPC’s spring conference, which focused on truth, trust in communications and making ethical choices.

Thornton, who consults with business leaders across America, has created a framework that leaders who want to “do the right thing” can use when making  decisions and facing ethical challenges. It’s based on the works of such people as Aristotle, Plato and Thoreau, as well as newer thought leaders.

“People are really hungry to understand ethical leadership at a higher level,” she said.

Thornton’s seven “lenses” for examining issues before making decisions begin with profit, the “what’s in it for us?” motive that many businesses use when discussing their bottom line. The others follow in a progression that she likened to the development of a person’s character.

They are:
Lens 2 – Law  (What do laws and regulations require?)
Lens 3 – Character  (What demonstrates moral awareness and competence?)
Lens 4 – People  (What is the impact on people’s well-being?)
Lens 5 – Communities  (How will we improve the communities we serve?)
Lens 6 – Planet  (How will we protect life, nature and ecosystems?)
Lens 7 – Greater Good  (How will we make life better for future generations?)