Character

Written by cycleguy on February 11th, 2014

I spent several hours recently with some people from all walks of life. One of the values we talked about was character. Specifically, character which can be trusted. I believe it was the consensus of those in attendance that (good) character may be the #1 trait needed in leadership.

Consider the importance of character in…

…a pastor. True, this is first on my list because I are one.  🙂 Can there really be a debate about the construction or devastation which comes from good or bad character? I think not.

…a CEO. What happens if he/she is not trustworthy or speaks out of both sides of the mouth?

…a financial person. Call that person what you will- bean-counter. nuisance, hawkeye, temperamental-honesty has to be one of them.

…an athlete. Are they playing for themselves or for the team? Are they working hard? Are they playing clean?

…a musician. Are they practicing? Are they doing their own stuff or stealing from others?

…a student. Is it their work? Are they plagiarizing? Are they cheating?

I know I’ve left many off the list. No matter who you list, character comes into play. From the highest to the lowest on the totem pole.

Are you a person of character? How important is it to you? Who would you add to this list and apply it?

 

14 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    As a scientist I would say that integrity and honesty (i.e. character) are important traits. Actually, I would say that are important for most walks of life.

  2. the Old Adam says:

    Whomever we are, and whatever we do..character is important.

    But, we are sinful…and we are very mixed bags…as hard as we strive to be people of character.

  3. I believe I am and sure hope I live up to that.

  4. Jeff says:

    Yes I am. It is very important. I think the Boy Scouts say it as well as anyone.
    Boy Scout Law

    A Scout is:
    •Trustworthy,
    •Loyal,
    •Helpful,
    •Friendly,
    •Courteous,
    •Kind,
    •Obedient,
    •Cheerful,
    •Thrifty,
    •Brave,
    •Clean,
    •and Reverent.

    I’m not sure about the Reverant part but the rest seem spot on.

  5. floyd says:

    I strive to live my life as a person of character based on Biblical principles. It’s actually what we’re called to. We fail, but less and less with time and maturity.

    If a person doesn’t have good moral character… that person has nothing.

  6. David says:

    Character matters! Period!

    Proverbs 22 says a good name is more desirable than great riches and to be valued more than gold and silver.

    Character and integrity are 2 virtues that I’ve tried very hard to instill in my kids, I think I’m doing okay. My youngest tests us – A LOT – but we get good reports from his school and other parents so maybe it’s working.

    There is a saying that goes something like: “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking” but I think you can substitute the word character for integrity and still be saying the same thing …

    • cycleguy says:

      What a great comment David. I like to hear you are trying to instill that into your children. Feedback is worth it when you hear good reports. 🙂 I too think character and integrity can be interchanged.

  7. Caleb Suko says:

    I always like the statement “Character is who you are when no one is looking”. I think another way to describe it is “integrity”, that is to say “wholeness” you are what you are whether you are at home or at work. It’s something I find myself lacking in but striving for daily.

  8. I think of character as I try to lead my family. Am I really working hard for them or just for my own ego? Am I investing into them or just getting by?