“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
–Coach John Wooden
A Look at the Way Character Impacts a Team
Having character, as opposed to being a character, changes every goal, every project on which you embark. Character is the essence of a leader. It establishes trust and dependability. Character traits can detract from the team effort too. Ask yourself, In a crunch, are you the person others come to, looking for leadership to guide them out of disaster? Or are you the fun guy they enjoy, but don’t respect because you haven’t shown judgement or integrity? Character in leadership sets tone and expectation in a work environment.
Leadership Character Traits
The role of character in leadership is sometimes lost today. Yet the character of a leader can inspire others to great achievement, or deter them from even making an effort. As a leader it is critical that you take the time to look deeply at your own attributes and priorities.
How do you see yourself? Are your traits the characteristics of a good or great leader? Do your traits set the example you want your staff to follow? Just what are the top qualities of a leader and are they things we can conscientiously develop? At CommandReady, we believe with intent and discipline, character can be developed. The following are some of the top character in leadership traits impacting a corporation or team.
Integrity
At the top of the list of leadership attributes is integrity. Yet integrity is an incredibly intangible word. For leadership purposes, we will define integrity as being honest, trustworthy and dependable with good judgment. Someone whose actions mirror their words.
Honesty
Honesty is critical to leadership and the foundation of trust. Trust is the currency that allows a team to successfully work with each other to achieve goals. Honesty is not just a matter of morality. It is critical to the construction of a solid, productive company and the culture within.
For some managers, dishonesty is a tempting shortcut to the goal. It can be rationalized as a necessary evil to reach the goal. Dishonest quickly becomes systemic. Lies lead to more lies, eventually destroying the brand you worked so hard to build.
Dependability
For purposes of leadership, we will define dependability as delivering on your commitments. A dependable leader performs their duty correctly and completely. You can rely upon it.
Judgment
Judgment is your ability to think about things calmly, clearly and orderly to make good decisions. Your team will initially follow you, until you prove doing so is a bad decision. Your judgment will keep your team following your leadership.
Want more? CommandReady Forged in 84 covers more than a dozen of the most critical leadership character traits. Described as the building blocks of every robust organization, strong character in leadership only make the organization more productive and successful. Get tips on how to develop the best of your character attributes in minutes a day. Your leadership development awaits; contact us today.
