Buzzword Defined: Character
Character is now a buzzword. I use the term buzzword here to describe words that we hear frequently yet are rarely defined by the speakers. The GOP nomination fight is full of buzzwords. I hear athletes described on Sportcenter using some of the same buzzwords as the politicians use. The problem is, if you dig into those words’ real meanings, you would see how much of a stretch the speakers are making.
What words am I talking about? Here is my current list and a great set of topics for future blogs:
Definition of Character
- Character
- Integrity
- Trust
- Courage
- Attitude
- Loyalty
Character:
I believe our character is our habitual way of operating.
- If I have the habit of always telling the truth, then I am a man of integrity. On the other hand, if I tend to tell half-truths, then I am a liar.
- If I have a habit of putting others first, then I am a servant leader. If I spend most of my time working for my own good, then I am a selfish leader.
- If I have the habit of speaking out when I see moral failures in those around me, then I have courage. If I generally stay quiet, then I am a coward.
Individuals and organizations rise and fall based on the character they display. Is someone evil if they make a bad decision? Do we write them off as a terrible person? I hope not! Otherwise, we would have no leaders who qualify. There was only one person of perfect character who ever walked this earth. I am not him, and neither are you.
In a previous posting, I pointed out that Leadership Failures are Usually Character Failures. I feel confident in making the point that Bernie Madoff’s downfall was a result of a character flaw resulting from habits born through deceitful actions over an extended period of time. However, I do not feel the same way about the sad story unfolding at Penn State and the late Joe Paterno’s role in that.
By all accounts, Coach Paterno was an honorable man. He was known for running a clean program and winning. He reached icon status in the area of college football. This case is sad example of how a “negative expression of character” (Dad quote) can affect an honorable man, his reputation and the organization he led.
Based on what I know, I believe Coach Paterno was wrong. I believe his decision to not more vigorously pursue the truth when the allegations about one of his assistant coaches came to him years ago was a terrible decision. I do not know where his decision not to act stemmed from. But, we all see the results.
I delve into the Penn State story only to point out that while I believe our character is the sum total of our habits, we must all guard our decisions and learn from the mistakes of others. My former pastor, Pete Briscoe once said, “We are all just three bad decisions away from ruining our lives.”
I have tried to develop habits that would build my character. I believe in being a man of integrity and courage. I try to be trustworthy, be loyal and maintain a positive attitude. The only way I can do that is through God’s grace, one decision at a time.
Question:
When it comes to building and maintaining our character, every decision we make matters. What do you think?
Dave,
Great topic! So many times, we hear coaches, leaders and executives say “character matters”. I think where they miss the point so many times in striving for “the win” in whatever context it might be is that they fail to recognize that “lack of character matters”, too. It’s important to ALWAYS put the two together so that character isn’t sacrificed for the sake of the end game. We see it so often in professional sports where teams are willing to “take the good with the bad” to get the talent and just deal with the headache. It’s the same in business. We have to teach that if character matters, then lack of character matters, too.
Great point Chris!
Thanks for this. Your comments line up with some sample corporate values I have as PDF’s on my resources page.
The issues usually stem from not defining what a value really looks like in practices and then lack of consistent reinforcement from the leadership.
I like this back and forth! Keep making me better!
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