ABSTRACT
The test of a true leader is his/her capacity to adhere to a strong foundation of ethics, articulate them as standards for colleagues and staff, and “practice what s/he preaches” by example on a daily basis. Personal leadership values form this ethical foundation, and are based upon past life experiences and current work processes that seek to improve rights and services for victims of crime. Ethical behavior reflects a sense of self-respect that translates into respect for others in all encounters. The process of living one’s personal values in a leadership role requires being in touch with one’s inner world of purpose, dreams, principles, aspirations, and ethics, which in the end gives meaning to one’s life. The application of a leadership lifestyle is challenging and requires total commitment to the concept of integrity.
