Public Philosopher and all-around great guy, Tom Morris, posted a thought provoking article entitled Dr. Frankenstein, CEO. In the article he references literature such as Frankenstein, Beowulf and Moby Dick in an effort to underscore the importance of the humanities in our culture and to our leaders. It's compelling.
After I read the article, I couldn't help but wonder: Are the concepts Tom references powerful enough to defeat the greed that has propelled some much of the disasters we're experiencing?
My first reaction to that question was despair. It seemed unlikely that anything could defeat the greed. But then I had another thought: Perhaps it depends how habitual, how deeply ingrained and how acceptable the greed is in our culture and environment. Maybe if we instill ethical values early and often, maybe if we react decisively to the most minor infraction and maybe if we study the classics as Tom suggests – then just maybe we can begin to alter the equation.
Leaders must set the ethical parameters, but everyone in the organization has an obligation to perform in an ethical manner and to call BS on anyone who acts in opposition to what's right.
