Dear Editor,
Integrity is said to be a personal choice made by someone who has the qualities of honesty and moral principles, or conviction. It is also truthfulness, consistency of character, or a lifestyle.
Therefore, it is imperative that good leaders lead with integrity, as a leader is someone people look to for direction. Leaders must promote healthy lifestyles and display them.
High standards and good qualities make a positive impact on others. Expected accomplishments should be clearly stated so that there are no confusions or frustration, enabling all to work toward the same goal.
In speaking about organizations, from time to time, the morale is often described as high or low. If the morale is assumed to be high the leader is applauded, however if it is low the leader is blamed. Morale is linked to productivity; therefore, leaders must instill positive energy in team members by letting them know that it is human to err, thereby making the working environment a happy place where one would love to come.
A leader should always be confident and calm. He should put out fires, not light them, so that high morale is maintained. Subjectivity is no motivation to a group and leaders using this tactic will not earn respect from their teams. Also, commitment must be shown to one's word or the leader will not be seen as a fair one.
Once you can gain respect from your team/ group the highest quality work can be achieved.
The leader's attitude should be a positive one and should always reflect that everyone in the group/team is a person. If the leader has deviated from the course set this should be communicated because people look to leaders for advice.
It is also important that leaders learn to think outside the box, differently or from a new perspective, by deciding which decision is the better. Additionally, issues should sometimes be put forward to the groups/teams for guidance.
By not making rash decisions, leaders avoid looking inept and increase the likelihood of reaching stated goals. Leaders should look to mentors for support but should realize that the last say depends on their gut instinct or the voice in their head.
In being a leader one must strive for excellence, honesty, and fairness, and confidence should be the hallmark. If a rule is made for a group or a team, but is only enforced on certain individuals within the team, the integrity of leadership is compromised and the targeted individuals lose respect for the leadership.
Let us remember that we are still a very young nation and should strive for excellence and build this beautiful country God has placed us in so when the baton is passed, the inheritance will be rich and the next generation will celebrate our uniqueness, commendable qualities, and our faith in God.
If a leader wants to pull the rug or create a scene, there must be commitment to his words
Leaders in Christian ministry should realize that the purpose of assembling together is to worship our God and give him thanks for the many blessings he has showered down on us, not to watch each other, because looking at anything for too long will result in you either liking it or hating it. Chances are that it will be the latter.
Let us elevate our minds and focus on those things that will positively transform our lives. Let us elevate our minds so that Amos 5:24 will become a reality: "Justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like mighty streams." Sinners will stand in awe and long for a relationship with our God, Christians will continue examination of their lives and strive for higher heights and deeper depths in God.
Your faith in God will soar and He will always remind you that He is your God and what He has done for others, He will do for you.
A Happy New Year to Bahamians everywhere and may the peace that only the Christ Child gives be with you! God bless and all the best.

- Lillian Dean

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