Integrity
What Is Integrity?
What is integrity in a sense of leadership? The New Revised Edition of Webster's Dictionary has a simple definition: honest character. Integrity comes from the Latin word integer, meaning whole number. The concept of wholeness comes from one's own personal decisions and morals. Specific characteristics of integrity consist of truthful, principled, fair, faithful, consistent, open, trustworthy, and whole. One who possesses these values is also generally accepted as ethical and honest. These principles are required of people who intend to be strong leaders. They must have a proper perspective on integrity and understand its importance in daily life.
Integrity is a characteristic most people work their entire life to accomplish. It is hard to keep such high morals and standards; even the nations' leaders can't do it all the time. Voters want a leader with integrity too , says the title of the November 7th, 1999, issue of USA Today. People are tired of being lied to They are fed up with politicians saying one thing, and then doing another. Isn't it time for a nation with some honest action in the world? The influential politicians of the country are supposed to be demonstrating the characteristics that it takes to be a good leader, but often times are not.
Consistency is one of the most important elements of integrity. Decisions should not be based on the occurring situation, but should be principle-based decisions. If a person is unpredictable, and only depend on feelings from day to day, others are unlikely to see them as maintaining integrity. They need to be consistent and reliable.
The politicians are not the only role models present for assuming integrity. Adults, family, and friends alike are all responsible for setting an example. If a righteous man walks with integrity, his children are blessed after him (Holy Bible, Proverbs 20:7) . If someone lacks integrity is not only affects the individual,...
View Full Essay