How Character and Integrity Grow with Leadership

In today's post, #6 in a series about leadership lessons to learn from the Bible’s story of Joseph, we will explore how Joseph’s integrity and moral principles had a major role to play in defining him as the leader that he eventually became.

THE ROLE OF ROOTS
Joseph was no ordinary boy, not only because of the man he was going to become but also because he was born into the house of Jacob. He was raised with the qualities of a man of honor since he was a child. His father Jacob, a man of reputable character, faith, and wisdom, taught his son a man’s most important asset is his character, and we see that advice go a long way for Joseph.

THE MAKING OF A MAN OF CHARACTER
Joseph casts a long shadow when it comes to show of character. We read his story in the Bible in considerable detail and over and over again we see the man making a remarkable decision in response to extreme discrimination and unfairness he is served.

When he was taken away from his father, betrayed by his brothers, left to die in a dry well, and sold in the market of Egypt in a young age, he chose to be responsible with the estate and business of his master and served the family with a top display of integrity. The greatest test came when the Egyptian’s wife asked him to sleep with her and betray the trust of his master. He had access, he had opportunity, and the woman was willing, but Joseph said this:

"There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back anything from me except you because you are his wife: how then can I do this great evil and sin against God?"
– Genesis 39:09

He said this repeatedly, as Potiphar's wife kept inviting him to betray his master’s trust and that of God on several occasions. But Joseph stayed true to his values through it all, and was therefore imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. How did he respond to that development? He became a man of respect and wisdom, leading the prisoners with grace and responsibility.

WHAT TRUE LEADERS DO
Joseph’s story is a constant reminder of how leaders are people of character. They take their responsibilities seriously and commit to the job without ever compromising on principles. It is as Douglas Adams said:
"To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity."