My oldest son was home from college recently and asked me to read a paper he was working on. The paper, for a business management class he is taking, was about leadership. I didn’t have to read very long before I found my son addressing the topic of the character of a leader.
I must say that I was pleased to see that he would consider character when discussing leadership. But then again, can one really lead without strong character?
Character is one of those things that can be hard to describe, but you certainly know it when you see it. In fact, I’d be willing to wager a small amount that when I mention strong character, someone immediately comes to mind. A person you know and respect for being of high character pops into your head.
Character is defined as “the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of a person.” What types of traits form an individual of strong character? Things such as honesty, integrity, and courage.
There’s a quote that says, “Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
Your habits become your character and your character becomes your destiny. So I ask you, what’s your destiny?
If true leaders are known for their character, what kind of leader are you? Are you known for your integrity? Are you respected for your honesty? Do you demonstrate courage? Are you respectful of others?
James D. Miles said, “You can easily judge the character of a man by the way he treats those that can do nothing for him.” How do you think others view your character?
You see, character can’t be faked — at least not for long. Remember, those thoughts become words, and words become habits. Those habits are on display to all those around you and they speak to your character.
If you want to be a leader, you must demonstrate strong character. People don’t follow someone they don’t respect. If you’re dishonest, untrustworthy, unethical, or disrespectful, people will start to question your character and your ability to lead.
No one is perfect, but the advice above — to guard your thoughts and words for they become habits — is sound. It’s as simple as thinking before you speak. Consider the impact of your words and actions, because they also reflect your character.
In business you’re only as good as your reputation. And as Benjamin Franklin said, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” So guard your reputation by displaying strong character traits.
In business and in life, we often can get wrapped up in short-term goals. We begin to measure success in last quarter’s results. And it can be tempting to cut corners to achieve these goals. But if you want to be successful in the long run you act with honesty and integrity. Those traits will pay off in the end — every time.
Great way to sum up what a leader should be doing. A leader should never lose sight of their goals or compromise their principles. To George Washington leadership meant responsibilities, not priviledges. James O’Toole wrote, “the only way one can be a leader is to be true to oneself, and that is hard to do. The world may say that it prizes originality and individuality but then it goes and punishes their expression. That is where moral courage comes in. We all know what is right. But it is the leaders among us who behave in the right way no matter what others may say.”
Such leadership is an attitude, as Frances Hesselbein puts it, an attitude that rests on the most important value practiced by Max DePree: Respect for people.
When conducting leadership training, I try to stress the difference between management and leadership. One of the things I’m fond of writing on my easel pad is this: Being a manager builds character. Being a leader requires it.