We often think of a leader as having the skills and abilities to get things done and motivate people. While that’s true, it’s more than that. Competency and charisma will take that leader pretty far, but only CHARACTER will keep them there!

Character is about who that leader is as a person. It’s about values, integrity, and having a moral compass. Leaders with good character are trustworthy, reliable, and ethical. They model humility and respect even as they carry the authority of their position.

Today’s Theme: Character

Quote

“While you, the leader, can teach many things, character is not taught easily to adults who arrive at your desk lacking it. Be cautious about taking on reclamation projects regardless of the talent they may possess. Have the courage to make character count among the qualities you seek in others.”

— John Wooden

Article

In today’s powerful article, the authors contend that leader character is not just about ethics, but is foundational to judgment and decision making. They close with the following: “We contend that the times we live in make elevating character alongside competence not only a strategic imperative but also a social responsibility.” Word!

https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/make-leader-character-your-competitive-edge/

Questions

• What values do you have as a leader, and how do you try to embody those values?

There are so many great points in today’s article. I encourage to take some quality time to read through it and think about your own position of leadership. Additionally, you may find yourself wanting to copy and print out the charts and diagrams for your personal use.