While what you do will send strong messages to others about the character of your leadership, how you do it can be an equally powerful communicator. The content of your leadership character can be experienced in the smallest of ways. It can be experienced when you intentionally focus on the person who is speaking with you rather than thinking about the next five things you need to do that day. It can be experienced through simple notes of appreciation you send to others that communicate you are grateful for the work they do. Most leaders do not make an ineffective or unethical decision intentionally.
Leaders genuinely believe they are doing the right thing at the time they make their decision.
All of us have privileges and other components of our life we do not want to give up. The danger comes when these attachments begin to influence the decisions we make and the values we honor. Effective leaders are able to look inside themselves when making decisions and probe what self-interest might be influencing the action they are considering. This questioning is likely to result in a decision more consistent with your core values and more likely to enhance your leadership character. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift.