We all make mistakes in life some of us learn from our mistakes while others don’t. Ethics in sport—Is it possible to achieve the full potential of sport without protecting the integrity of sport? Ethics and ethical leadership is a front burner issue here in Trinidad and Tobago. There are justifiable reasons why the topic is front of mind.
Well-managed national sport organisations and governing bodies and sport clubs are an essential element to providing values-based and principle-driven sport in T&T.
National sport organisations must serve as a strong voice in the dialogue regarding ethics in T&T sport and to protect the integrity of sport.
Recently, I have been researching the topic of ethical leadership.
Ethical theories on leadership talk about two main things: (a) The actions and behaviour of leaders; and (b) the personality and character of leaders. Some academics claim that “ethics are an essential to leadership”.
According to the Web site http://managementstudyguide.com/leadership-ethics.htm an effective and ethical leader has the following traits/characteristics:
Dignity and respectfulness: He or she respects others. An ethical leader should not use their followers as a medium to achieve personal goals. Respecting the followers implies listening effectively to them, being compassionate to them, as well as being liberal in hearing opposing viewpoints. In short, it implies treating the followers in a manner that authenticate their values and beliefs.
Serving others: He or she serves others. An ethical leader should place their follower’s interests ahead of their own interests.
Justice: Fair and just. An ethical leader must treat all followers equally. There should be no personal bias. Wherever some followers are treated differently, the ground for differential treatment should be fair, clear, and built on morality.
Community building: Develops community. An ethical leader considers their own purpose as well as their followers’ purpose, while making efforts to achieve the goals suitable to both of them.
He or she is considerate to the community interests, does not overlook the followers’ intentions and works harder for the community goals.
Honesty: Loyal and honest. Honesty is essential to be an ethical and effective leader. Honest leaders can be always relied upon and depended upon.
They always earn respect of their followers. An honest leader presents the fact and circumstances truly and completely, no matter how critical and harmful the fact may be. He or she does not misrepresent any fact.
Some may say the above represents an unattainable shopping list of ideals that are unrealistic in the cold light of daily existence and human frailties. Why is it unattainable? Shouldn’t we be striving for the ideal? There are confusing signals reflecting within our society .
It was Emmeline Pankhurst who said I’d rather be a rebel than a slave. The choice may very well be a rebel or be a slave.
Can we move forward without a commitment to integrity, ethics and ethical leadership?
In reaching out and spreading the message of sport we must have ethics and integrity as our breastplate.
Follow the examples of the quiet few who refuse by their dignity and integrity to bow to the subtle and not so subtle demands of those individuals who are thriving for the moment in the avalanche of corruption.
The quiet courage of the incorruptible will prove sufficient in the passage of time. Those who believe that they can draft their own rules will be found out.
Integrity and honesty are imperishable and will never go out of fashion.
Is it better to be a rebel for integrity and ethics than a slave to corruption?
Each of us will have to find the answer within. These days the answer seems to be selective and situational.