What quality of a leader is defined by standing up for what is right, even in the face of popular disagreement?

The quality defined by standing up for what is right, even in the face of popular disagreement, is moral courage. This concept embodies the strength to act according to one’s beliefs and principles, particularly when doing so might not be the favorable or popular choice among peers or superiors. Moral courage goes beyond mere integrity; while integrity involves honesty and adherence to moral and ethical principles, moral courage specifically pertains to the willingness to confront opposition and advocate for those principles, especially under pressure.

Leaders exhibiting moral courage typically make difficult decisions that align with their ethical standards, often inspiring others to do the same by demonstrating commitment to values that benefit the collective over individual interests. This is crucial in military settings where the right decisions can sometimes be controversial but necessary for the greater good.

In contrast, integrity relates broadly to an individual's adherence to moral and ethical standards. Leadership resilience refers to the ability to withstand and recover from setbacks, emphasizing strength in adversity rather than ethical decision-making. Visionary thinking focuses on the ability to envision the future and devise strategies to achieve long-term goals, rather than standing firm on ethical principles in challenging situations. Together, these qualities contribute to effective leadership, but moral courage specifically highlights the valor required to uphold what is right against popular dissent.