Leadership and Business Ethics
George Anderson, C.M., LL.D.

Annual Arthur Kroeger Lecture
Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario
November 25, 2002

INTRODUCTION:

I am honoured to have been asked to be the speaker this year and always delighted to return to Carleton University where I first attended as an undergraduate over 35 years ago. The years go by quickly. My continuing association with the university has been a source of nostalgia and happiness.

The purpose of this lecture series, as I understand it, is to promote reflection on contemporary issues confronting civic society. One of these issues is the call for ethical leadership, particularly in business.

November 18, 2001

INTRODUCTION:

I have been given a great deal of advice, mostly from anxious family members, about how I should behave today. I am told, for example, that it is a bad idea to tell a joke at the start of my speech because the audience may not be in a laughing mood. But I did come across a piece of amusing advice about how to behave as the speaker at a convocation.

The advice is from Father Flynn, former President of St. John’s University in New York. According to the good Father, convocation speakers should think of themselves as the body at an Irish wake. “They need you to have the party”, he said, “but (like the dearly departed) they don’t really expect you to say very much.”

I extend my warmest congratulations to all graduating students on your great achievement. It is a proud day for you, your parents, and all those who care about you.

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Address on Leadership to Royal Sun Alliance Quarterly Management Meeting

February 22, 2007

INTRODUCTION:

I have been asked to speak to you today about leadership in an "out-performance" culture.

The fascination with leadership is historic and enduring. It is among the most widely observed and least understood subjects. There are currently over 400 books available on some aspects of leadership. Many of these books promise a quick fix to make you more effective in your job in seven easy steps or in a single minute. Anyone who has tried to lead can tell you it is not that easy.

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