Leadership has a primary issue of concern for humankind and has been discussed in various literature for many years ( Northouse, 2017) . Due to extensive research about the topic, there are various leadership skills identified in theology, anthropology, sociology, business administration, psychology, educational administration, public administration, history, political science, organizational behavior, nursing administration, and military science ( Northouse, 2017) . Additionally, leadership can be described as both a trait and leadership. Traits describe unique qualities of people, and it may be inherited. On the other hand, ability describes natural capacity to carry out particular responsibilities. Hence, some unique traits and abilities make leaders. Such unique characteristics can either be developed through practice and hard work, or they can be inherited ( Northouse, 2017). One of the leaders who has stood out over the past few decades is Ellen DeGeneres. She has set up projects or foundations for the greater good, the foundations reflected her personal values, it showed leadership integrity, affected her image, and showed that image management and integrity might be compatible.
Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund
The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund was founded to support worldwide conservation efforts regarding critically endangered animal species (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). One of her first steps in protecting endangered species was setting up a permanent home for endangered gorillas through Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). The project was vital in permanently securing the lives and future of wild gorillas threatened with extinction in Rwanda (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). Furthermore, through field conservation efforts, she empowered the local communities to protect and build a relationship with the gorillas (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund was founded by Dr. Dian Fossey and is found in Virunga Mountains, Rwanda (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). The Karisoke Research Center now acts as a permanent home for the endangered species.
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Personal Values
The project is a reflection of Ellen DeGeneres’ personal values. Since she began her career, she has been an advocate for animal rights and human rights ( Kuchta, 2015) . Moreover, she has advocated for serious issues affecting women including sexual abuse of teenage girls. Through her talk shows, such as Ellen DeGeneres Show, she has raised awareness of various issues affecting the society. Her show has an audience of approximately 2.5 million people ( Kuchta, 2015) . Many critics have applauded DeGeneres for her ability to raise serious issues affecting people while bringing humor to daily experiences ( Kuchta, 2015) . Furthermore, her self-awareness and honesty regarding her experiences as a teenager and sexual orientation influenced her to be concerned about people facing similar issues ( Kuchta, 2015) .
Leadership Integrity
The Ellen DeGeneres Fund is an example of DeGeneres' leadership integrity. Integrity involves a deep commitment to doing the right thing because of the right reasons despite the prevailing circumstances. It also involves consistency of expectations, actions, principles, values, principles, methods, measures, and outcomes. Ellen DeGeneres has shown her commitment to preserving the future of endangered species globally (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). Ellen DeGeneres once said that she loves animals and she will protect them, especially gorillas because they are endangered. She added that the incredible creatures require human compassion and love to save them (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018).
Impact of Fund on DeGeneres’ Image
DeGeneres’ contributions to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund have boosted her image as an advocate for animal rights. Moreover, she funded the construction of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The campus utilized environmentally sustainable, local resourcing and sustainable architecture during its construction to protect the ecosystem (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). Since she began her project, the population of mountain gorillas has doubled (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). Due to her contributions, mountain gorillas are the only great ape whose population is increasing globally (The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, 2018). As mentioned earlier, DeGeneres loves animals, and she will protect them, especially gorillas because they are endangered. Furthermore, she believes that the success of her career is dependent on spreading love in everything that she does ( Bried, 2017) . Her commitment and contribution to supporting animal rights boosted her public image.
Leadership Integrity and Image Management
Integrity is one of the top traits and abilities of a good leader. Ellen DeGeneres has set sound ethical policies which she incorporated to her talk shows and career while communicating the values to her audience. She has managed to voice her concerns regarding serious global issues especially animal rights and human rights. Moreover, she has lived by the ethical policies and values she expressed during her career. Her actions show that image management and integrity are compatible. Great leadership has always been the results of a good character as shown by Ellen DeGeneres. Her honesty, self-awareness, and love for human and animal life have built her public image ( Kuchta, 2015) .
Conclusion
The essay has evaluated Ellen DeGeneres’ Wildlife Fund contributed to the greater good. Moreover, the project was a reflection of her personal values, especially honesty, compassion, self-awareness, and love for human and animal life. The project shows her leadership integrity because she showed commitment to doing the right thing for the right reason: Conserving and protecting the future of endangered species. The project enhanced DeGeneres’ image as an ethical leader and an individual who loves animals. Additionally, it proved that leadership is both inborn and can be built through hard work and personal experiences. DeGeneres built her leadership through the experiences she faced as a teenager that made her value human and animal life. It influenced her to incorporate love in her daily activities while mentioning and creating awareness about social issues and problems. All in all, her dedication to the project showed that image management and integrity is compatible.
References
Bried, E. (2017). Why it’s cool to be kind: she inspires us to laugh, think and even dance. Here, Ellen DeGeneres spills her secrets for finding joy--and spreading love wherever you go. Good Housekeeping , (3), 85. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsggr&AN=edsgcl.500970946&site=eds-live&scope=site
Kuchta, G. (2015). Ellen DeGeneres. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=743093c7-1af2-4233-9de0-0b46f95400e6%40sessionmgr4010&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=89404968&db=ers
Northouse, P. G. (2017). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice . Sage Publications.
The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund. (2018). Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Retrieved from https://ellendegenereswildlifefund.org/dian-fossey-gorilla-fund
