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Being A Good Leader

Part Two: Character

Another important aspect of being a good leader is having a good character. Your character reflects what you expect to find in another individual, whether it is honesty, fairness or a good sense of humor.

Character has no color.
Integrity has no age.
Honesty has no gender.
Compassion has no height or weight.
Caring has no language.
Connecting has no handicap.
Relationships have no degrees or certificates.

Dr. James Boyer
Kansas State University

CHARACTER : Rules for a good character

from Character Counts, a project of the Josephson Institute of Ethics, 4640 Admiralty Way, Suite 1001, Marina del Rey, Calif. 90292

1. BE HONEST: Always tell the truth and be sincere. Sincerity in your character enables others to relate to you with greater ease. Don't betray a trust, lie, or withhold important information from others. A good leader doesn't cheat, steal or act deviously.
2. DEMONSTRATE INTEGRITY: Stand up for your beliefs, regardless of what your peers or society might say. Resist social pressures to do things you think are wrong, and *always* follow through with your promises--- show commitment, courage and dedication.
3. KEEP PROMISES: Keep your word and honor your commitments. Make a promise only when you really mean it, not just because you think it's what the other person wants to hear.
4. BE LOYAL: Stand by, support and protect your family, friends, employers, community, and country. Don't talk behind someone's back just because you think you should or that it's cool, and don't spread rumors. Don't violate your ethical principles to keep or win a friendship, or gain approval from peers.
5. BE RESPONSIBLE: Think before you act, considering all the possible consequences to all the people affected by your actions. Be accountable for everything that you do. A good leader doesn't blame others for his/her own mistakes, or take credit for others' achievements.
6. PURSUE EXCELLENCE: Do your best with what you have, and keep trying even though you might not succeed on the first try. Good leaders are born when one becomes diligent and industrious.
7. BE KIND AND CARING: Show that you care about others through acts of kindness. Be caring, generous and compassionate. Leaders don't have to be selfish, mean, cruel or insensitive to be efficient--- that only makes them tyrants.
8. TREAT ALL PEOPLE WITH RESPECT: Be courteous and polite. Be tolerant, appreciative, and accepting of individual differences. Don't intentionally injure anyone; don't abuse, demean, or mistreat anyone. Respect the right of individuals to make their decisions about their own lives.
9. BE FAIR: Treat all people fairly. Be open-minded by always listening to others and try to understand what they are saying or feeling. Make decisions based on appropriate considerations without any bias or prejudice.
10. BE A GOOD CITIZEN: Play by the rule and obey the laws. Respect an authority figure, and stay informed. Protect your family and community. Report crimes. A good leader contributes to his community, school or organizations by volunteering his/her services. Protect the environment, conserve natural resources.

Being A Good Leader
I. Courage
II. Character

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