The Center for Leadership and Ethics is founded on the principle that character development is a process and that character is manifest in action. People and organizations of character will seek to discover the truth, decide what is right, and demonstrate the courage and commitment to act accordingly.
How can we develop character in ourselves, in others, and in our professional enterprise?
The process of character development includes education, practice, assessment, and leadership. These four elements, blended together in a systematic and continuous program will inform, inspire, and foster character in individuals and organizations. It is a proven method, endemic to the leader development systems in place at our Federal Service Academies whose vision, mission, and goals include the development of both character and competence - in concert with each other.
In order to help foster the growth of character for organizations and corporations, the Center for Leadership and Ethics applies the principles of systems engineering. These include:
- Research and assessment in order to evaluate organizational attitudes, policies, and practices.
- Identification of the values and attributes that define goals, ethos, culture, and traditions.
- Analysis of alternatives and "courses of action" available in order to effect change or sustain and nurture ethical practices.
- Program design based on vision, mission, standards, and resources - bridging the difference between what is desired and what is observed.
- Planning and assisting with implementation for change.
- Assessment of results.
At each stage of the process, the Center for Leadership and Ethics works directly with the appropriate leaders in order to ensure that all efforts are properly structured to meet the needs of the clients. The specifics of each support agreement will reflect the goals of the client.
