Do You Have What it Takes to Lead with Integrity?

I have been studying leadership and qualities of great leaders for some time now. I plan to write short essays on each quality as it comes to mind. I admire those who lead well and believe that is the greatest mark you can leave on your life’s footprint. The truth for me is that I will leave nothing of great significance behind if I don’t impress something of myself on the hearts and minds of others while making a difference in their lives. Isn’t that what life is all about in the first place? Ask this: - Am I here because I asked to come here? - If I didn’t ask to come here then I must have a purpose greater than my very existence or why would I be here? - That implies that I get to choose! Is it really up to me? - In becoming a parent (if you are one) did you decide to have children for your purposes or theirs? - What drives you to do good? - What attracts you to others? The answers to those questions are what sets you apart from everyone else. At some point in our lives we realize that we are on a self-appointed mission. We made the choice to move forward in one direction or another based on what we hold dear. Those are the values that help us decide everything in our lives. What are your values and where are they taking you? I have determined a great number of personal values in past years and they never fail me in moving me closer to my goals. They are, by definition, the very vehicles to get me to my goals. Webster’s Dictionary defines integrity this way: completeness, wholeness, unimpaired condition; soundness, honesty, sincerity. Now let’s take a quick step back and determine what leadership is. Leaders are those that guide or influence others. They show others the way to go. Does that sound like something we are born with or something that is developed over time? The truth is we can all lead in one way or another in various circumstances and to different degrees. The question is, will you develop your leadership instincts or be forever following others? That choice is yours alone but you should know that by choosing the path of a follower you are most likely not living up to your God given potential and robbing yourself and others of those gifts. We spend our lifetimes becoming something. We become students, parents, business people with or without titles, activists, philanthropists and missionaries. What’s keeping your from becoming a leader? Only your decision. It is a skill set that is learned and defined as you grow into the title, just as everything else in life is. Now, being a leader of integrity is another matter. In re-reading the definition of integrity you may see the common thread as one of “heart”. A person of intergrity has a very solid value system. They lead by example, they make decisions for the good of the big picture and not just to keep everyone happy. That would be inconsistent and futile at the very least. Do you have what it takes? Skills can be learned and values can be determined along the way. Decision is the first step. If you’re interested in leadership qualities please visit my blog site. I will be examining some very important characteristics of leadership in the months to come.