"Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty." - Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela, celebrated former South African president and leader in the anti-apartheid movement, during a British Red Cross Humanity Lecture made the above statement which forms the theme of this reflection. It is essential that the various concepts illustrated in Mandela's quote be distinctly captured to enable an appreciation of their bearing to this paper. Morality, on the one hand, refers to principles regarding the contrast between conduct, as being right or wrong or being good or bad. Integrity, on the other hand, refers to having the quality of being truthful and honest and possessing firm moral character. Consistency, however, is the quality of achieving a level of performance regarding behavior and qualities . A feature of all three concepts in this context is its underpinnings in leadership. I strongly believe morality and integrity are fundamental and important features of ethical leadership. …show more content…
King was a man of great moral orientation and was renowned for his integrity. In his pursuit of civil rights reforms, he faced strong opposition yet never conceded to the unending threats that he faced. I believe his perspective is best reflected by his saying, "Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggles, the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals (King n.d)." King lived out his own words, having travelled over six million miles and speaking at over 250 venues; wherever there was injustice, protest, and action (Martin Luther King-Biography,