The moral force of leadership

THE MORAL FORCE OF LEADERSHIP

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The most valuable aspect of leadership is not power, position, influence, notoriety, fame, talent, gifting, dynamic oratory, persuasiveness, intellectual superiority, academic achievement, or management skills. It is character. Character is the cradle of credibility for the leader. Without the presence of strong, noble, honorable character, all the other aspects of leadership are at risk. Every leader is only as safe and secure as his character.

Many leadership training courses, seminars and programs focus on vision, skills, management, organization, teamwork, and many other helpful things. Yet only few of them talk about the importance of leader’s character.

You would agree that most of the leaders in the modern era, lack character as they lack the courage to stand for righteousness and to stick to their principles and values. That is why most of the leadership failures we see now are due to lack of standards and values in our leaders.

WHAT IS CHARACTER?

1.     CHARACTER IS A COMMITMENT TO SET VALUES WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Leaders of principles do not compromise their values in the face of pressure. Because their values are based on their power, position, title and everything that they have acquired throughout their lives for the sake of their values. They do not compromise with their values on the altar of convenience. They do not change their values in effect of what people think or believe about them. In fact, they stick to their convictions.

2.     CHARACTER IS DEDICATION TO A SET STANDARDS WITHOUT WAVERING: When a true leader establishes moral parameters for his life, he doesn’t waver in his dedication to them. He does not violate them for anyone or anything. They are dedicated to live by their principles and values.

 

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3.     CHARACTER IS A CONSTANT EFFORT TO INTEGRATE YOUR THOUGHTS, WORDS, AND ACTIONS: True leaders are not hypocrites. What they say, what they do and what they are is the same. Integrity means one. True leaders are not a different person in public and some other in private. The more your private and public life becomes one, the more you become a person of character. A person of character does not fear if you find out what their personal life is. Because they are the same person everywhere. They are not two-faced, because they have integrity of what they think, speak and do.

4.     CHARACTER IS SACRIFICE FOR PRINCIPLES: A principled leader possesses beliefs so strong that he is willing to sacrifice for them their popularity, friendships, colleagues, finances and success.

Nelson Mandela made some major sacrifices for his vision which he saw for his nation. He stayed in prison for 27 years in the Robben Island. He sacrificed his freedom so that others could be free. There are many such leaders in the past who have displayed such commitment to their principles and values.

5.     CHARACTER IS IMPOSING SELF DISCIPLINE IN KEEPING WITH YOUR VALUES AND MORAL STANDARDS: A leader must impose daily discipline upon himself so that he remains aligned with his convictions. A leader must tell himself daily, “I will never violate my principles and values on the altar of convenience.

Therefore, Character is the most powerful force a leader can cultivate because it protects and preserves leadership. Character extends the longevity of your leadership. It enables you to effectively fulfill your purpose and potential. It establishes and strengthens your inner life, so that you are a person of integrity and honor. You lead with your life and not by your words. It will enable you to be a success, personally and professionally, and leave a legacy for your own generation and future generation, as you carry out your purpose, vision and goals in life.