My Leader Has Great Integrity by DeAnna

My Leader Has Great Integrity by DeAnna - December 2021 Scholarship Essay

Leaders come in many shapes and sizes and from many different backgrounds. No leader is like another. I've noticed leaders in my childhood life as well as adult life. Every group in some way, shape, or form has a leader.
But what does make a good leader? Leaders are versatile; there are a lot of great areas they see. Most of them work hard to acquire their current position. However, versatility and hard work doesn't always make for a great leader, does it? Unfortunately not.
Leaders are in charge of a group of people, whether it be for a school project, a work project, or for an entire group of people in general. For instance, at my current job, my supervisor is my leader. She is in charge of myself and the other tellers at our Credit Union.
Leaders need to have many good traits and appeal positively to their people all the while being tough and stern to make sure all things are done effectively. How can a person achieve this? I believe that having integrity is the best quality for a leader to have. Integrity is described as "The quality of being honest and having strong moral uprightness; being whole, undefiled and unified."
Because of this definition, I consider a lot of great qualities to fall under the definition of integrity. Leaders need to be great listeners, to be considerate of others, to inspire and influence others, show accountability, and be a positive role model for the people whom they're leading. Leaders who demonstrate integrity gain the trust of their colleagues. They aren't afraid to hear the truth, and they aren't afraid to accept corrections or suggestions from others. Integrity helps to build positive rapport with colleagues as well as those outside your circle. I remember a quote that told us, "Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do, while leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could." A person with integrity follows the golden rule of "Treat others the way you want to be treated" and would therefore do their utmost to encourage and inspire others so that they too could leave a positive impact on others.