Living into Leadership: A Journey in Ethics (Stanford Business Books) Book

"Describing the aim of the book as an aid to 'increase ethical awareness and sensitivity in myself and in others,' the author does an admirable job on both counts."--Library Journal "Experience is a great teacher but only when you are prepared to learn. Buzz McCoy provides lively preparation and insights into the arts of life and leadership. Read and learn."--George P. Shultz, former U.S. Secretary of State and a Distinguished Fellow at the Hoover Institution "Leading a successful life, as in leading an organization, requires a person to identify and confront an endless stream of tough, ambiguous questions. This is essential reading for anyone who aspires to both ask the right questions and seek the right answers--answers that ultimately define true character and extend impact beyond me to we." --Thomas J. Tierney, Chairman and Co-Founder, The Bridgespan Group Over the past few years, the business world has been wracked by corporate scandals. With news of a new scandal an almost weekly occurrence, one cannot help but wonder: "Is business success synonymous with a lack of morality?" With a resounding "no," Bowen H. "Buzz" McCoy, former partner at Morgan Stanley, shows that ethical business leadership is possible and, moreover, desirable. Seeking inspiration from an eclectic range of sources, such as Dante, Kant, and Peter Drucker, and drawing from his own career as a successful investment banker, the author examines how business leaders--and those who aspire to be business leaders--can flourish in a corporate environment without shedding personal values or compromising integrity. Living Into Leadership: A Journey in Ethics is based on the author's actual life experiences, personal ethical dilemmas, and concerns. This groundbreaking work incorporates classroom materials developed by the author for ethics programs at various business schools, including Stanford, UC Berkeley, the University of Southern California, UCLA, and Notre Dame. The central question this book considers is how to pursue an engaged business career while living a balanced life and continuing to grow as an integrated person. McCoy acts as a "mentor" for readers, providing personal and professional guidance on the development of a personal business plan for life. The book presents the case for creating a moral compass that allows one to make decisions under uncertainty, lead a life of integrity, establish the practice of ethics both personally and in society, and know when to embrace change and when to hold one's ground. It includes an abbreviated version of the author's acclaimed work, the seminal Harvard Business Review article, "The Parable of the Sadhu," and shows readers how to prepare in advance for dilemmas they may face, both in their private and professional lives.Read More