Leadership Integrity
Dennis Waitley in his book Being the Best reports the story of Reuben Gonzales, a leading racquetball player. Gonzales reached the final in his first ever professional tournament. Holding match point in the fifth and final game, he made an amazing “kill shot” into the front corner. The ball was called good. Match over, Gonzales declared the winner. Or was he? Gonzales turned around and said his serve hit the floor before it reached the wall. He lost his serve and his opponent won the match and the tournament.
In its next issue, the National Racquetball Magazine featured Gonzales on its cover. Everyone wanted to know why Gonzales, a professional sportsman, disqualified himself after being declared the winner of the match point. His answer was simple: “It was the only thing I could do to maintain my integrity.”
INTEGRITY. Webster defines it as “wholeness, completeness.” Integrity is having a well-balanced life. It is to personal or corporate character what health is to the body or 20/20 vision is to the eyes. A leader with integrity is not divided (that’s duplicity) or merely pretending (that’s hypocrisy.) He or she is “whole;” life is “put together,” and things are working together harmoniously..
Leaders of integrity:
- tell no one (not even family members or prayer partners) confidential matters.
- do not fear the probing light of scrutiny.
- have the courage to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, though it may cost them.
- refuse to cut ethical corners.
- handle success, prosperity, and promotions with grace and dignity..
- are personally reliable, keeping their promises.
Psalm 78:72 says of King David, he “shepherded them (the nation of Israel) with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” That’s a perfect balance for a leader. A good leader has skillful hands to deal with situations that have no rules, no boundaries, no precedence. And they have a heart of integrity, a well-balanced life.
He who walks in integrity, walks securely. . . (Proverbs 10:9)
Fred Campbell lives in Ovilla, Texas, just south of Dallas. He pastored two independent Bible churches for 40 years. Currently, he is the president of Living Grace Ministries, a ministry committed to helping churches develop servant leaders, following the model of the Lord Jesus. Fred has traveled to 29 countries and 15 states to lead the workshop. He received his ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary and his D Min from Phoenix Seminary. Fred is married to Carolyn and has a married son and two grandchildren. His web site is www.livinggraceministries,com and his email is fred@livingraceministries.com.