I delivered this speech on the topic “Integrity” for Totem Toastmaster’s Leadership workshop, on June 5, 2018. It was the first workshop for that year. A panel before my speech addressed the topic, “Leadership Vision”.
I think it is time to reflect on what we expect from our leaders in our community, our country and within our realm of reality in the world during this pandemic. Every generation faces challenges. Challenges provide opportunities to transition to a novel ideas or stick with old habits. The survivors are the ones who adapt and create new platforms.
These were the key points from my speech:
- Honesty and Integrity are are the foundations of leadership
- Communicate honestly and keep your word
- Leaders hold themselves accountable and respect people
- Leaders hold themselves accountable and respect people
- Embrace vulnerability, if you make a mistake, fix it
Leaders need to reinforce integrity for everyone within the organization for leaders at every level. Leaders with integrity strengthen the organization through trust, making fair decisions, practicing non-judgment, and giving credit where it is due.
This transition is upsetting the status quo on the world stage. Emerging leaders from other continents, .i. e., Australia and New Zealand are stepping up to the leadership platform. Others are stepping back and drowning into populism.
The digital transformation is speeding forward, leaving many behind. We have the opportunity to minimize this crisis’s impact on the world if we work together, instead of thinking only of ourselves and temporary fixes. We do not know the future; nobody does. We can work together to create the new future. Hopefully, a better one with better opportunities and equality.