You've just ascended to a position of leadership, and soon discover that it might appear to be simpler and less confrontational to shape or distort the truth, rather than commit to the often more challenging task of maintaining absolute integrity.
Often times, these individuals, in their quest for popularity and public esteem, even believe they are warranted in shaping the facts to fit their ends, or convince themselves that their behavior is actually the preferential course of action.
Far too often, we elect or select to positions of leadership individuals who end up lacking the courage and inner fortitude to fully commit themselves to honesty and transparency, and stray from even attempting to maintain absolute integrity and complete transparency.
1.
How does the lack of courage impact honesty? Human nature, being what it is, often leads us to take the easier course or path of least resistance.
Courage becomes a relevant factor because it is the characteristic that often dictates ones inner fortitude and strength, as well as forming one's true attitude and behavior.
In their quest for popularity and agreement, and in an attempt to minimize stress and conflict, far too often, the truth loses out to the expedient approach.
Besides the obvious moral and ethical conflicts that this creates, it often ends up mortally wounding the individual's ability to attract followers, and especially to have any claim to leading by example.
2.
When a leader attempts to shape or hide the truth from his constituents, regardless of the reason, the inevitable result is generally losing the trust of followers and potential followers.
Constituents want the actions of their leaders to always be transparent and for a leader's actions to be pure and well intentioned.
Unfortunately, many individuals who ascend to leadership roles are either ill - prepared or unfit for their positions, and thus become overwhelmed whenever any issue becomes cloudy or less than overwhelmingly popular.
True leaders realize that unless they maintain absolute integrity that they forfeit their right, as well as their ability, to meaningfully lead and motivate others.
The reality of leadership is that far too often, individuals never transform themselves from the politicians they are when they are seeking a position, to the statesmen that they need to be when the become the leader.
You can't fake courage, and you can't fake being honest.
The lack of absolute commitment to both of these traits is one of the major causes of inadequate leadership and less than stellar personal character.