Rethinking Leadership

As turmoil continues to shake the global economy, many ask, Who got us into this mess? Companies that were once global giants have collapsed or been rescued by governments. Many business executives formerly lauded for their achievements are now being tried for crimes or enduring forced retirement. Around the globe, people are attacking corporate greed and irresponsibility. Traditional ideas of successful leadership are being reinterpreted for a new world in which ethics face greater scrutiny, corporate responsibility is in greater focus, and customers and employees demand more communication and transparency. At this point, asking who got us into the mess we’re in might be less important than asking what leaders should learn to avoid such problems in the future. Businessweek.com asks professionals around the country, from CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professors to civil rights activists and clergymen, what they think are the most important things to teach business leaders.

Click here to see their responses.