Our Grand Line Officers Blog

Sis. Amelita B. McDowell, Grand Conductress

District No. 6
Abigail Chapter No. 64
Motto: "Believe, Achieve, Succeed"
Scripture: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillippians 4:13

"The Role of Character in Leadership"

In 2009, late night television went through tumultuous changes. The host of The Tonight Show changed three times within six months. First, there was Jay Leno, then Conan O’Brien, now Jay Leno is back. What were the leaders at NBC Television doing? I understand the significance of ratings and the mighty dollar but in my mind, they lost the integrity and trust of the viewing public. Even the Comedians involved commented publicly about the situation. Both comedians made negative comments about the executives - their leaders. The executives admitted their mistakes, paid Conan a huge amount in severance pay with hopes of recuperating loses both financially and in ratings. Through all of this, they lost the trust of the viewers and both talk show hosts. Trust is a significant characteristic essential to leadership. In this blog, I will address the role of character in leadership."Good leaders possess many character traits that make them effective leaders"

The month of April is an exciting time for newly elected Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons as they prepare to ascend to the East and assume leadership roles in their Chapters. In May, the Worthy Matron elect will become the administrative leader of the Chapter. The Worthy Patron elect will become the leader for all ritualistic work. Both officers have unique and challenging leadership roles in the Chapter.

Good leaders possess many character traits that make them effective leaders. Leaders should be trustworthy, communicate effectively, have a positive self-regard, be innovative and know how to motivate people, be enthusiastic, risk takers, be vulnerable, and be continuous learners.

When I think of character in leadership, the first thing that comes to mind is trust and honesty. As I indicated earlier, trust is essential if any organization is going to survive and prosper. A leader who can be trusted lets people know that he/she is accountable, reliable and predictable. In an organization, Warren Bennis states “Trust is the lubrication that makes it possible for organizations to work.” (Warren Bennis, 2007, p. 41) Trust is the bond that maintains integrity in any organization. Predictable leaders are trusted because their positions are known.

In this organization, our leaders have to be able to communicate effectively with Chapter members. The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron must be able to convey their vision for the Chapter during their administrative year effectively. Communication is two directional. Leaders need be good listeners, understand the concerns of the Chapter, encourage them, and acknowledge accomplishments. Both leaders must treat their Chapter members with respect and equality.

Another characteristic that leaders need is “positive self-regard”. (Warren Bennis, 2007, p. 52) Leaders need to know who they are, know their worth and have the confident to trust themselves without letting ego get in the way. Confidence is another aspect of having a positive self-regard. Leaders need to have confidence in their ability to succeed. Confidence should be displayed with humility. Leaders do not have to be arrogant to convey confidence. To inspire the Chapter, the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron need to know their strengths, weaknesses, and have the ability to discern how these personal attributes can help make the Chapter productive. If our leaders are honest and straightforward with members, the membership will be inspired to share the vision (goals for the ensuing year) and assist the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron when asked.

"The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron should always pursue new and creative ways to move the Chapter forward. Enthusiasm plays a big part in innovation."

Good leaders look to the future. They should be innovative. The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron should always pursue new and creative ways to move the Chapter forward. Enthusiasm plays a big part in innovation. When I watch an infomercial on television, the salesperson is always enthusiastic and excited about the product. The sales approach makes me feel that I have to have it. How did I live without it? A leader can use this form of enthusiasm to motivate the Chapter and include them in the process. Leaders should encourage others to embrace the vision so they may reach their potential.

Vulnerability is another key characteristic that good leaders should possess. When leaders display moral purpose and have an understanding of justice, they become vulnerable. They are strong enough to abandon their ideas to make others stronger. They accept risks and trust others. Leaders accept failures and practice forgiveness when mistakes are made as they continue on the quest to fulfill the vision.

Some of these characteristics are gifts from God and others are acquired. Leaders should seek to continuously improve their skills and encourage others in the Chapter to do the same.

Our leaders should be prayerful and keep God in their lives. Sometimes when important decisions are required, leaders need to go into isolation, look to the Lord for assistance, directions, and guidance. Have a Great Year!

Works cited
Warren Bennis, Nanus, Burt (2007). Leaders, Strategies for Taking Charge. New York: HarperCollins Publishers

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