INTEGRITY
INTEGRITY, LEADERSHIP, & PUBLIC SPEAKING
Did you read the quarter page advertisement on page 4 in the main section of the Straits Times today (Monday, November 28, 2005)?
It is an advertisement for a half-day leadership seminar entitled, “Singapore’s Leadership Crisis.” In it, the advertisement contends that the, “single biggest challenge facing Singapore in 2005 and beyond is the unprecedented lack of personal leadership within our public and private sector organizations.” It goes on to argue, “…we need leaders who can articulate a compelling vision that will truly inspire Singaporeans and mobilize them to achieve their best…”
I do agree that we need visionary leadership—people who, like two leadership gurus James Kouzes and Barry Posner (1995) say, are those who can, “paint the big picture…giving people a clear sense of what the puzzle will look like when everyone has put the pieces in place” (p. 111).
However, we need to take a step back first. While I agree visionary leaders are in short supply, I propose to you that credible leaders, men and women of integrity, are in even shorter supply. Listen to what Kouzes and Posner have to say about integrity: “Leaders without integrity are putting on an act. The believability and credibility so essential for leadership are earned when your behavior is consistent with your beliefs” (p. 340). If leaders are not honest or trustworthy, would you allow them to lead you into a future, however compelling it may be?
So, what does integrity have to do with public speaking? A lot! When you, as a leader, speak in public, people not only hear your words. They also watch your life! Do you live what you espouse? Are your actions in line with your beliefs? Does your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No”? If you want to be believable…if you want to lead…you need to be a credible person, a man and a woman of integrity.
How do we develop integrity in our lives?
posted by Ronnie Koh @ 8:09 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
i appreciate wad u have been doing for us.. but here's a question, what other aspects other than integrity must a person possess to do well in public speaking and leadership. very commonly people would sae the gift of speech. but is there any other things much important than that? how about dignity??
since the topic is on intergrity, i believe that it does help on public speaking... but i think it does not help a lot, since public speaking is mostly on fast-based is not it..? Also, thanks for getting this blog for us. ^^
kai: Integrity is very important because as a public speaker, you are trying to convey a message. If you are not convinced what you have to say is really true and factually correct, you will have a tendency to get stage fright. This is because at the back of your mind you may be concerned if someone would confront you at the end of your speech to ask about the authenticity of your facts.
Additionally, if you have a relationship with your audience, they want to be able to see that what you say and how you live your life is congruent. The greater the congruence, the more credible you become, and therefore the more believable you are.
what other aspects other than integrity must a person possess to do well in public speaking and leadership.
Good question, A WORLD WITHOUT LOVE! This is what we will investigate these next few weeks! So keep coming back! :-)
Aiyoh! If public speakers must have the gift of speech, then not many of us can be public speakers.
Public speaking is a skill that can be developed. My contention is that you can develop that skill partly be becoming a person of integrity. When we live out what we say, then we will have confidence when facing a crowd. Also, when we get our facts and research correct, we will have greater confidence in delivering our speech in public.
Wow! A sudden revelation! CHARACTER...CONTENT...CREDIBILITY!
In our leadership we must be people of CHARACTER. Whatever we speak, i.e. our CONTENT, must be true. CREDIBILITY is the glue that holds CHARACTER and CONTENT together.
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