NASBA Center For Public Trust 
Ethics Matters
January/February 2016
At the beginning of each year, ethical leaders across the world develop personal and organizational plans they believe will lead to great success in that year. Assuming you have similar plans in place, I am issuing you four challenges this year. I challenge you (Number 1) to make a personal commitment to being a continuous learner. Our world is changing so rapidly that the best leaders have to be dedicated to learning new ideas, skills and perspectives in order to lead more effectively.
I believe that leaders who want to make a significant difference in 2016 must make a commitment to learning something new every day. I challenge you (Number 2) to incorporate learning into your everyday routine. Be a difference in 2016, by learning more so you can stretch your thinking and come up with new ideas.
Effective leaders gain respect, because of the skills they bring to a situation. I challenge you (Number 3) to devote time in 2016 to learning a new skill. Doing so will increase your value to the people you influence. Think about efficiency gains you can achieve by simply adding one new skill to your personal toolbox this year. How many more people could you impact by learning a new skill?
Make 2016 a year to learn new perspectives. Diversity of thought is one of the most powerful tools an ethical leader can have. Finally, I challenge you (Number 4) to spend time this year learning from people who are different from you. Often we limit our opportunities for success, because we do not learn from people with different perspectives. Even if we do not agree, we can grow and learn from diverse perspectives.
While my challenges to you focus 2016, my hope is that this year starts your pursuit of becoming a lifelong learner. Lifelong learners frequently find personal renewal, enabling them to make positive change and Lead with Integrity!
— As Always, Lead With Integrity!
Alfonzo Alexander
President, CPT
CRO, NASBA