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Leadership 101: Integrity by Example

Written by: George Ludwig

Article Overview: True leaders demonstrate Integrity by Example.

Leadership 101: Integrity by Example

Integrity comes from a congruence among thoughts, feelings, words, and actions-when all that you are and do spring from your core values. Gandhi was one of the greatest examples of integrity we have seen in modern times, and the many moving stories about his life demonstrate the power of teaching this character trait by example.

A mother once brought her child, asking him to tell the young boy not to eat sugar, because it was not good for his diet or his developing teeth. Gandhi replied, "I cannot tell him that. But you may bring him back in a month." The mother was angry as Gandhi moved on, brushing her aside. She had traveled some distance, and had expected the mighty leader to support her parenting. She had little recourse, so she left for her home. One month later she returned, not knowing what to expect. The great Gandhi took the small child's hands into his own, knelt before him, and tenderly communicated, "Do not eat sugar, my child. It is not good for you." Then he embraced him and returned the boy to his mother. The mother, grateful but perplexed, queried, "Why didn't you say that a month ago?" "Well," said Gandhi, "a month ago, I was still eating sugar." What power in example!

This rare kind of integrity has great power. Imagine what the world would be like if all present day leaders of nations had that kind of integrity. What if we could depend on their word in any situation? What if trust and confidence were the foundation of every business relationship? Because of his integrity, millions trusted Gandhi; millions learned from him and counted themselves as his followers. Collectively, they became a force strong enough to gain political independence for India. True leaders demonstrate Integrity by Example.

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Article Tags: business relationship, character trait, confidence, congruence, core values, diet, examples of integrity, feelings, followers, gandhi, india, parenting, political independence, present day, rare kind, recourse, teeth, true leaders
Referred by: http://www.JustChangeIt.com



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