Ethics Trump Power: An Ethical Leadership Book for Leaders Under Pressure
Hardcover - $29.95
The Leadership Book Your Staff Want Their Leaders to Read.
Ethics Trump Power challenges conventional leadership thinking by confronting the gap between authority and integrity. Rather than focusing on position or control, the book examines the discipline required to lead ethically, especially when pressure, ego, fear, or power are in play.
Drawing on candid reflection, real leadership failures, and practical insight, Stephen Scott explores how ethics, self-regulation, and purpose shape leadership behaviour and organisational culture.
Widely described as the leadership book staff want their leaders to read, Ethics Trump Power has become a catalyst for meaningful conversations about accountability, trust, and what ethical leadership looks like in practice, particularly in complex, high-pressure environments.
PRODUCT INFO
- Title: Ethics Trump Power
- Author: Stephen Scott
- Publisher: Self Published
- Format: Hardcover
- Pages: 213
- ISBN: 978-0-648-4483-2-7
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephen Scott is a leadership practitioner, author, and governance advisor with deep experience in ethical leadership, decision discipline, and organisational culture. His leadership journey began in the Royal Australian Air Force, where his commitment to discipline, ethics, and continuous improvement was recognised through multiple awards and commendations.
With decades of hands-on leadership experience, Stephen has worked across complex operating environments including education, public health, environmental science, renewable energy, elite sport, and governance-intensive organisations. He is the creator of The 15 Disciplines, a practical framework used by leaders, boards, and organisations to strengthen judgement, accountability, and culture under pressure.
Stephen is also the lead consultant for large-scale leadership development programs for independent school principals in Queensland, and works closely with boards, executive teams, and senior leaders navigating complexity, performance risk, and ethical challenge. His work focuses on building leaders who can be trusted when decisions matter most.
Ethics Trump Power reflects Stephen’s lived experience of leadership under pressure, and his conviction that ethics, not authority, ultimately shape performance and trust
SHIPPING INFO
Shipping is handled via Australia Post. Orders are typically dispatched within 24 hours, with an estimated delivery time of 2-3 days, depending on your location.
TESTIMONIALS
When I say I’m not much of a reader by that I mean I have never read an entire book from start to finish until now….
This book by Stephen Scott had my attention from start to finish I have never read something that has kept me this invested and I never thought I would look forward to my train commute to work just because I got to read this book for 45mins, it has changed my thinking of leadership and how to deal with thing in day to day life. Please go and read this it is worth it!!
Nathan Cassar-Scott, Regional Manager, Conexson
A great read. The key in my humble opinion is how Stephen brings it all together and creates a roadmap for leaders and businesses to use.
Ben Markwell, Founder and CEO, AMBICO
FAQs
1. Who is Ethics Trump Power written for?
The book is written for leaders at all levels, including executives, managers, board members, and emerging leaders who want to lead with integrity—particularly in complex or high-pressure environments.
2. Is this book suitable for organisational leadership programs?
Yes. Ethics Trump Power is widely used as a foundational text in leadership development programs, executive education, and organisational culture initiatives.
3. What makes this ethical leadership book different from others?
Rather than offering abstract theory, the book explores real leadership failure, self-regulation, and ethical discipline, focusing on what actually shapes behaviour when power and pressure collide.
4. Can this book be used for team or board discussions?
Absolutely. Many organisations use the book to support leadership forums, board conversations, and facilitated discussions about ethics, accountability, and culture.
5. How does this book connect to ETHICLEAD’s leadership programs?
The book underpins ETHICLEAD’s leadership philosophy and provides a shared ethical language that supports deeper learning across leadership, governance, and culture programs.
WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS FOR ORGANISATIONS
Ethical leadership is not tested when conditions are easy, it is tested when decisions are difficult and consequences are real.
Ethics Trump Power provides leaders, boards, and organisations with a shared language for discussing ethics, authority, and accountability, making it a powerful foundation for leadership development, culture change, and governance conversations.
BOOK OVERVIEW
- Author: Stephen Scott
- Focus: Ethical leadership, integrity, accountability, and self-regulation
- Audience: Leaders, executives, board members, and aspiring leaders
- Use Cases: Leadership development, organisational culture, governance discussions, book clubs, executive programs
WHAT READERS GAIN
- Greater clarity about ethical leadership under pressure
- Insight into the behaviours that build or erode trust
- A practical framework for self-regulation and leadership integrity
- A shared reference point for leadership and culture conversations
