Governor Cuomo held office for three terms after which most Democrats wanted him to vie for the presidency. This was due to his ethical leadership behavior. His death shocked most New Yorkers who would have preferred to be under his leadership. He was an approachable and an honest man. This study focuses on who an ethical leader is, giving details of Cuomo led ethically.
Characteristics of an Ethical Leader
Ethical leaders have great respect for others, both those in power and their subordinates. Mr. Cuomo continuously urged himself to live a life that displayed his Catholic belief of humility. He was always attentive to other people’s views. According to Brown et al. (567), any leader who is ethical is also loyal and honest. It is evident that people trust dependable and honest politicians. The governor conveyed facts transparently and did not allow pride to mere his self-gratification. When a journalist once asked him whether he was proud of his son Andrew, he applied Aristotle’s theory by parsing the question.
Humane leaders are considered to be ethical and morally upright. Mr. Cuomo always acted in a manner that is beneficial to the State of New York. His sense of community team spirit was displayed during decision-making processes whereby he consulted with various people. He not only strived to achieve his personal goals but also made genuine efforts to achieve goals that benefited the whole State. He once claimed that the pollution and pride of practical politics could only be changed by turning them towards the good of Americans, (The Sin of Pride). His governorship was characterized with pragmatism. For instance, he hated the idea of the death penalty, which if he opposed he would have to create more prisons. Also, he did not support abortion, just like any other Catholic, but he did not make it the rule of the State since he considered the practical applicability of his decisions.
Mr. Cuomo’s governorship was characterized with value-driven decision making. He considered the appropriateness of his decisions in accordance to the State’s values and America at large. For instance, when Bill Clinton offered him a job in 1993, he declined it, claiming that he would miss delivering controversial speeches. His act showed commitment towards serving New York State. He not only talked but also served by example. For instance, he had to wait for at least ninety minutes before he could fill the deadline for the New Hampshire primary, (The Sin of Pride). He had to spend extra time in Albany for him to push New York’s budget through, rather than leaving to his home on time.
Finally, the governor had no tolerance for ethical violations. He worked on his weaknesses enough to be able to do the right things at all times even when it was not convenient for him. He wrestled with his passion for politics when he lost through the ill-tempered campaign in 1977 for the State’s mayor. He excelled in building alliances and networks that were not aimed at benefiting his political career, but the lives of New Yorkers.
Conclusion
Mr. Cuomo displayed ethical leadership traits through-out the three terms that he held the office of New York State Governor. He has respect for others and displayed high levels of transparency. His human nature was revealed when he argued that the only way to turn the self-centered politics was through ensuring that any actions taken were for the good of the State and America at large. His governorship was also characterized with value-driven decision making and non-tolerance for unethical acts.
Works Cited
Brown, Michael E., and Linda K. Treviño. "Ethical leadership: A review and future directions." The leadership quarterly 17.6 (2006): 595-616.
"The Sin of Pride". The Economist, 2015, http://www.economist.com/news/obituary/21638086-mario-cuomo-governor-new-york-and-presidential-might-have-been-died-january-1st-aged. Accessed 7 July 2018.
