“Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of; the tree is the real thing” Abraham Lincoln
It is in times of difficulty and challenge that we discover what we are made of. These experiences draw out who we are. Times like these show why character is such an important aspect of leadership. Character is what lies underneath. It is the substance of who we are when all the superficial layers are removed.
Character determines how we will respond when we meet challenges in life, especially those which potentially threaten us. How well can we suspend our self interest for the community interest, for example, or go for the greater good? The ability to take the high road when there is a lot of pressure to take another route is an indicator of a strong, healthy, virtuous character. Organisations need leaders who are committed to the objectives of the company and who meet their own personal objectives through serving the organisation. People look for leaders who will be concerned for the health and welfare of the community above themselves. Teams look for leaders who will enable them to achieve meaningful outcomes; someone they can trust to ensure a healthy group dynamic, where individuals are not personally disadvantaged by submitting to what is best for the team. Strong character is required in ethical conduct, in creating trust, in open and honest communication, and in robust dialogue and debate. Here are some questions to consider:- How solid is your sense of identity? Who are you? What do you stand for?
- Will you risk conflict, disapproval, rejection, being misunderstood, winning, or being wrong?
- Will you submit your emotional needs in order to create the best result?
- Will you give something up personally for the greater good or in the interest of achieving an important outcome?
- Will you let something go that could benefit you because it will harm others?
- What will your response reveal about your character?
- What message will it send about who you are and what you stand for?
- What credibility will you create by your actions?
- What are you modelling for others?
- How are you leading more effectively?
John Zenger & Joseph Folkman identified in their research that you can have many great leadership competencies, but without strong, virtuous character your effectiveness is significantly impaired.
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