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 Respect, trust, optimism, intentionality, and service: each individually and collectively represents a core value and belief that form the foundation of the Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics & Character. Adopted in large part by the philosophical theory developed and described by Betty L. Siegel Ph.D., founder and namesake of the Siegel Institute, and William W. Purkey, Ed.D., in their book, Becoming an Invitational Leader, and later adapted to the KSU Model of Ethical Leadership, the five core beliefs are essential underpinnings to the work of the Institute.
Respect is often described as “treating others as you might wish to be treated.” In a broader application, and one more applicable to an increasingly multicultural society, respect might be better described as “treating others as they might wish to be treated.” Closely related and often interdependently defined by many who advocate on theories of leadership, respect and trust are essential character traits for the successful interaction of persons and groups.
Trust believes individuals and organizations will behave in a reliable, responsible, and honorable manner. By either definition, trust and respect together represent the moral adhesive that binds a group of people, especially in regards to a common goal. The goal of the Siegel Institute is to “promote ethical leadership for the common good for individuals throughout the world and representing all walks of life” – a goal that is demonstrated through application of the KSU Model of Ethical Leadership and through the body of work produced by the Siegel Institute.
 If respect and trust are the essential character traits for successful daily action and interaction as represented by the Siegel Institute in defining an ethical leader, then optimism and intentionality are the essential qualities upon which individual and collective behavior is demonstrated. Optimism is simply that quality of personality and conduct demonstrated by an ethical leader or institution that transforms the power of “hope” into “motivation” – often resulting in positive outcomes.
Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, professor of psychology and well known proponent of the theory of positive psychology, believes that optimism and hope are not random feelings – and that persons and institutions can learn to make conscious choices. Intentionality is that quality of making a conscious choice toward beliefs and behaviors that guide the individual and organization toward the common goal.
A natural outgrowth of relationships built on respect, trust, optimism, and intentionality, service is imbued as a core belief of the Siegel Institute, and further demonstrated by objectives of the KSU Model of Ethical Leadership. Ethical leaders are expected to “serve” those they lead – as well as those that follow. Leaders embrace service as a personal and organizational commitment.
Through its e xecutive director, faculty and staff, working together toward common and shared goals, the commitment and success of the Siegel Institute is measured by its product – a community of ethical leaders who individually and collectively embody in attitude, behavior, and action the five core beliefs: respect, trust, optimism, intentionality and service.
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