Ethics at the top of the company isn’t just about compliance, but trust, transparency and accountability. What happens, however, when personal and professional lines begin to blur?In many organisations, it’s not uncommon for people to meet their life partners at work. After all, we spend a significant part of our lives alongside our colleagues. Sometimes, relationships spark between team members, and other times, between two people in leadership positions. That’s where the conversation gets more complex.We talked with our Director and Founder, Ana-Maria Velica, and Operations Director, Vlad Gradinariu, both committed to building a healthy, value-driven culture at Green Apples®, to ask: What makes leadership truly ethical? How about when relationships are involved? Where do we draw the line between personal and professional?
“As a leader, you set an example for your teams, so you must act with honesty and fairness."
"Ethical leadership is vocal; it speaks up,” says Ana-Maria. ”When I think of ethical leadership, I consider consistently doing the right thing, even when it's difficult.", she adds, and continues: “To me, ethics mean that your beliefs fully align with your actions and a set of values and norms. It involves being honest, transparent, and fair in your behaviour. As a leader, you set an example for your teams, so you must act with honesty and fairness."Vlad, Operations Director, adds: "While the bottom line remains a top priority, leaders must include at the forefront of every business decision the greater, common good - safeguarding the local communities, the employees, the environment, and all business partners, such as customers and suppliers."
