A Virtuous Leader

According to President Abraham Lincoln, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man 's character, give him power.” Many people can get through their trials and develop their character, but when they are given power, if will show what type of a person they are. A bad leader is arrogant and leads by fear, and often bends the rules based off of what would benefit them even when it contrasts with what would benefit their community. A good leader is flexible, patient, and rational, and knows how to improve whatever they are in control of and take action. To be a trustworthy leader, compassion, diligence, and intelligence are needed so followers will see the leaders example and try to become more like them. Because bad

Leaders are expected to act consistently with their vision and the values they advocate to their team. If a leader’s words or actions are contrary to the values they expect in others, they will be faced with cynicism and contempt. Followers expect their leader to act in their best interests, putting their welfare before their own. An ethical leader is honest, open and truthful to their followers. When leaders lose this trust, their followers will quickly disregard them.

1. Bauman, David C., Leadership and the three faces of integrity, The Leadership Quarterly, Volume 24, Issue 3, June 2013, Pages 414-426, ISSN 1048-9843, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2013.01.005.

What makes an effective leader? To what extent does effective leadership mean being morally good?

A leader for a good or bad cause, is a person who can gather different individuals under one accord and move towards the same objective. They are good at inspiring people. You may not always agree with their perspective. However, leaders are good at bringing people together. All exceptional leaders past and present possess integrity. It takes a strong individual to be a leader, but it takes an even stronger person to be a leader with integrity. A part of being a leader is setting standards for others to follow. Integrity is a characteristic that does not happen overnight. It is embedded in all outstanding leaders. Knowing to do the right thing when no one is watching takes strong determination. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey once described

The focus of the Arthur is to explore the values of educating leaders in two specific ways. The first way is to provide research results in the area of moral and character value traits. The second way attempts to clearly define common terms that are often misunderstood (Arthur, 2010). He discusses the need for moral and character development in leadership programs. The author intertwines these concepts which emphasize the need for understanding the younger generation

The majority of our studies thus far surveyed the life of certain leaders. One thing that stands out is we all have the propensity to sin and the vulnerability to fall. One of the strongest admonitions to leaders is found in Acts 20:28. It states, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of

Leaders are responsible for influencing followers to perform actions, complete tasks, and behave in certain manners. Effective leaders also influence processes, stimulate change in attitudes and values, and amplify empowerment and self-efficacy of their followers, as they foster the internalization of corporate vision. The nurturing aspect of leadership can also raise an organization’s culture and employee’s values to higher levels of ethical behavior. By demonstrating ethical leadership we promote a high level of integrity that stimulates a sense of trustworthiness, and encourages subordinates to accept and follow our vision (Mickey, 2013).

Ethical leaders espouse moral values, altruism, civic virtue, good citizenship behavior and conscientiousness both in their personal and professional lives. They imbibe the same core values in their followers. They demonstrate moral judgement in their decision making process, influenced by the long term interest of the stake holders. Also ethical leaders hold their followers accountable for their conduct and establish a reward and vicarious learning process for ethical conducts

I agree with what the chapter suggests. In my opinion, leadership does have a moral dimension and as a leader, comes a responsibility that he or she uses their authority to advance the common good. I believe, that as a leader, there is an obligation to uphold our moral values and not use their authority for aggression, power, or getting ahead. Leaders should always use their resources to advance and promote those that need assistance or a greater cause. For example, a leader promoting needs to reduce poverty. In addition, leaders not only need to be effective but also must accept the moral dimension of leadership and as a leader; he or she becomes a role model for the community, employees, and all of the stakeholders. Consequently, leader’s actions influence those around them and therefore as a leader, we should use our available resources to help improve the lives of others.

Plato once asked whether you would rather be "an unethical person with a good reputation or an ethical person with a reputation for injustice." Ethical leadership has long been a debate in regards to its importance and place in the universal business world.

There are many core attributes of being an active biblical leader. According to Brent Rinehart, there are nine essential qualities of a Godly leader. A good leader is modest, not arrogant. There is always that one person who thinks they know it all or they

Leaders who are ethical are people-oriented, and also aware of how their decisions impact others, and use their social power to serve the greater good instead of self-serving interests.

A leader isn’t always a manager, but can be a manager in an organization. When you combine the two into ethical leadership you have a strong dynamic. According to Yukl (2010) in cross-cultural research on the essential traits for effective leadership, integrity is near the top of the list in all cultures that have been studied. Most scholars consider integrity to be an important aspect of ethical leadership” (p. 409).

To have great leadership, there needs to be a leader-follower relationship. The relationship can’t be effective without inspiration, involvement, and support from both participants. To develop this alliance, the leader must give extra effort to reach out to followers. The only way a leader can be successful is if the follower trusts the leader. The most important characteristic of a leader is to set a good example for their followers.