The story is told about a leader who had been espousing ethical and good leadership to his people.
It was smooth sailing for his leadership during the first year. But after that, his lack of moral ascendancy began to unravel. There were allegations of lavish partying, corruption, womanizing, breach of discipline, abuse of authority—to name a few.
What is moral ascendancy?
Moral ascendancy is the influence that a leader holds over his people through moral, ethical, and righteous leadership. A leader who lacks moral ascendancy will not last long in his leadership position.
Sooner or later, the people under his leadership will come to realize that he no longer holds the moral high ground to lead them. And what will they do? They will begin to protest against the morally deficient leader to show that he is no longer fit to lead.
This protest could eventually lead to the leader’s resignation—that is, if he is sensitive to the pulse of his people. But if he chooses to cling to his position, power, and authority, he must be prepared to face the wrath of his constituents.
Moral ascendancy is critically important in leadership, whether in government or in the private sector, because there can be no successful or effective leadership without it.
How can a leader effectively lead if the respect he receives from his people or subordinates is only a façade? How can he communicate his ideas clearly and persuasively if people no longer listen because his moral authority is eroding? How can a leader command discipline and respect if his own behavior lacks discipline and respect?
If a leader aspires to be successful in his exercise of leadership, and if he desires to build a lasting legacy, he must ensure that he is not only competent—but also morally upright. He must possess the moral ascendancy to lead.
Otherwise, his leadership is like a beautiful castle built on sand along the seashore. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
