Ethics and Vision: Overcoming Leadership Challenges in Tech and Politics

Significant choices are on the horizon in France and the US, so I watched the political debates this past week to better understand what was going on.

I noticed one major difference. The French debaters were leaders in their 20s and 30s, while the US presidential candidates showed their age, to say the least!

Other than this, the same disturbing behaviors were everywhere: clueless looks, inadequate answers, or flat-out lies—left, center, right… or wrong.

I couldn’t help but think of what I experienced firsthand with challenged leaders in the Tech industry over the years.

The root causes I’ve observed have always been the same: a lack of a bigger vision, a focus on short–term recipes, and, in some cases, questionable ethics, if not more.

It has translated into numerous turbulences, poor performance, frequent organizational changes, and discouraged workers.

As I map the same causes to French and American politics, the outcome is economic instability, social unrest, deepened inequalities, and fading trust in our political leaders and the system.

Unsure about the “failing leadership” comparison between Tech and Politics in these two countries? Please bear with me and let me elaborate:

Constant Change in Tech Is Impacting Trust from Within

Tech companies are notorious for their rapid pace of change, often driven by a desire to remain competitive and innovative. I get it—I’ve been through this quite a few times—but it can have a profound negative impact on trust from within.

Here’s how I saw it unfold in my experience:

Constant restructuring led to instability, loss of productivity, and decreased employee morale. A culture of distrust and cynicism grew among employees.

Damaged loyalty and engagement killed innovation and creativity as we all became obsessed with job security.

Pressure to deliver short-term financial results led to decisions that were not in the company’s or its employees’ best long-term interests. This ultimately harmed our company’s reputation and survival.

Insecurity, Cultural Shifts, and Herd Mentality Are Eroding Ethics in Our Societies

What is a sure way to kill ethics in our societies? “It’s the Economy, stupid!” Yes, we often consider that ethics only flourish in conditions of economic security.

But that would be a dangerous shortcut. There’s more to this.

The historical propaganda once used to maintain the status quo and convince the economically disadvantaged to accept their lot is long gone. In modern times, the “Greed is Good” mantra has taken over, promoting self-interest and undermining communal values.

I’m far from saying things were better before, but it has exacerbated individualism and eroded any impression of cohesion.

In addition, human nature is inherently tribal, and we tend to follow the loudest or most authoritative voices. This herd mentality has led to accepting unethical behaviors when endorsed by influential leaders or perceived as the norm.

Pick your favorite examples: dictators, sects, social influencers, or even your boss. Ordinary individuals like you and I can commit major mistakes- if not atrocities- when following orders without exercising their critical thinking.

Drawing Some Parallels and Potential Solutions

While different, the challenges in a Tech business and our society call for converging mindsets and solutions. As tech companies need leaders who foster a culture of stability and trust, our societies need leaders who promote ethical behaviors and communal values.

But it’s not enough. Critical thinking will help us all make informed decisions and resist the herd mentality. In Tech, this translates into fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving. At a societal level, it means empowering individuals to question unethical practices and advocate for justice.

And the money part? When you feel secure in your economic status, you are more likely to act ethically and support communal values. On the other hand, economic and financial insecurity can lead to desperation and unethical behavior as we struggle to survive.

So, I’d argue that promoting economic/financial stability as a foundation for ethics benefits tech companies and our societies.