Project 1: Doing the Right Thing
Standing Up for Integrity: A Leadership Journey
Introduction:
Life is often described as a “spark,” a small yet powerful force that ignites the potential within us. For many of us, that spark comes to life through defining moments that shape who we become. This spark came through witnessing leadership failure, precisely the scandals in my community that undermined trust and eroded integrity. From a young age, I saw leaders whom I personally looked up to fall short of their ethical responsibilities.
There was a time when a deacon was caught stealing from church offerings, and a pastor was found to have impregnated a choir member. These instances shook me to my core, making me fear leadership and its potential for corruption. As a result, when I was nominated to be the head boy of my high school, I declined. I believed leadership was a “pot of death” that could destroy one’s integrity. However, as I grew in my faith and encountered scriptures such as Isaiah’s call, “Who will go for us?” and the insight that “bad leadership persists because good people shy away from leadership,” I realized that avoiding leadership was not the solution, despite my initial fear and doubt.
If God called me to lead, I would strive to embody Christ-patterned leadership rooted in integrity. This decision began a journey that would test my values, shape my character, and transform my understanding of leadership.
The Story:
In one of my previous roles as a team leader, I confronted a difficult situation that would test my commitment to integrity. A trusted colleague had been falsifying data to meet performance targets. This wasn’t a minor oversight. It was a deliberate action that threatened our team’s reputation and our work’s integrity. I was at a crossroads: reporting the incident could result in severe consequences for my colleague, potentially fracture our team, and cost someone their job. To ignore it would be a betrayal of everything I valued.
I prayed for guidance, wrestling with feelings of betrayal and fear. I feared the conflict and potential fallout. Ultimately, I chose the path of integrity. I approached my colleague privately, explaining the severity of the issue, and encouraged them to come forward. I clarified that I valued our relationship but could not disregard the ethical breach. After a tense conversation, my colleague admitted to the wrongdoing, and we reported the matter to management. Though the decision led to disciplinary action, it forced the team to rebuild trust, which, although painful, ultimately strengthened us.
The Aftermath and Reflection:
This experience was one of the hardest I’ve faced in my leadership journey. It tested my values and courage, and the emotional turmoil was intense. However, it left me with several profound lessons:
- Integrity is non-negotiable: Doing the right thing may not always be popular, but it is the only choice for lasting trust and clarity of conscience.
- Courage is acting despite fear: It’s not the absence of fear but the willingness to face it that defines leadership.
- Short-term discomfort leads to long-term growth: The unease I felt in confronting the issue paled compared to the long-term damage that ignoring it would have caused.
This experience taught me that authentic leadership is about doing what’s right, even when difficult. It forced me to confront my fears of conflict and become a servant-leader who prioritizes the team’s well-being over personal comfort.
Formation and Growth:
The aftermath of that decision changed me in ways I never anticipated. It forged new convictions in me and reinforced core principles:
- Strengthened resolve to do what’s right: The situation deepened my commitment to always choose integrity over convenience, even when it comes with personal cost.
- Developed empathy and understanding: I gained insight into people’s inner turmoil when they compromise their values, and I learned the importance of showing grace to those who falter.
- Reinforced accountability: This experience clarified that leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about owning the consequences and being accountable to the people we lead.
Ultimately, I realized that leadership requires vision and integrity. I could no longer avoid tough conversations or ethical dilemmas for fear of conflict. That moment of decision helped me grow in courage and moral clarity.
Principles, Values, and Virtues:
This experience cemented several vital principles that now guide my leadership:
- Integrity: Doing what’s right, even when no one is watching, is the cornerstone of ethical leadership. Proverbs 12:1 taught me discipline and correction are vital to growth and maintaining truth.
- Courage: Leadership demands bravery and the willingness to face uncomfortable situations head-on. I learned that real courage isn’t the absence of fear but the choice to act despite it.
- Accountability: We are responsible for our actions, and our decisions impact our lives and those we lead. I learned to foster an environment of transparency, where honesty and accountability are paramount.
- Empathy: Leadership isn’t merely about making hard choices; it’s about understanding and supporting those we lead, especially when they struggle with their ethical dilemmas.
Origin of These Values:
These principles didn’t just materialize in a single moment. They were shaped over the years by various influences:
- Christian Upbringing: My parents, church, and the scriptures shaped my values early on. Verses like Matthew 5:37, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no,” instilled in me the importance of honesty and integrity.
- Leadership Role Models: I was mentored by leaders who exemplified courage and integrity. One mentor, in particular, taught me that leadership is about service, not power, and his example has left a lasting impact on how I lead today.
- Personal Experiences: The ethical challenges I’ve faced in leadership have been refining crucibles, sharpening my character, and deepening my understanding of integrity, courage, and accountability.
Conclusion:
This journey has shown me that leadership is not about avoiding difficult decisions or seeking personal comfort but about standing firm in our values, especially when it is hard. Authentic leadership is about doing what’s right, even at a cost. I’ve learned that the most challenging choices often lead to the most profound growth, both personally and within the teams we lead.
I am committed to leading with integrity, guided by wisdom and compassion. I recognize that the path of righteousness isn’t always easy, but it is the only path that leads to lasting, meaningful impact.
Reflection Questions:
- What experiences have shaped your values and virtues, and how have they influenced your leadership style?
- How do you prioritize integrity and accountability in your daily life and leadership decisions?
- What challenges have you faced in standing up for what’s right, and how did you navigate them?
Sharing with Mentor Team:
I am sharing this story with my mentor team as part of my commitment to growing in Christian ethics and leadership. Their feedback will be invaluable as I continue to develop and apply these principles more effectively in my leadership journey. I look forward to their guidance and insights as I refine my leadership approach with integrity.