Personal Integrity of Leader
How is ethical character developed within a leader? Frank (2002) states that ethical leadership flourishes when one examines his or her inner character. Inner character is developed by “personal trauma, career setbacks, mistakes, and failures” (p. 81). When a leader is able to examine one’s inner self during tough times, one is able to grow in character. Paul writes in Romans, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurances produces character, and character hope” (5:3-4, English Standard). Ethics are developed in the suffering.
Souba (2011) discusses the being of leadership. The being of leadership involves questioning and reexamining deeply held beliefs and convictions. The process of transforming involves change, and the ethical leader must constantly be transforming. An ethical leader simply leads others in one’s deepest held commitments. The art of being is defined as “awareness, commitment, integrity and authentic joy” (p. 14). The author argues that an ethical leader is joyful during gray-area moments, because one will remain true to oneself. The author considers ethical leadership more than a process but a calling. Ethical leadership is not defined by the task of making the right decision, but rather by whom one is.