How to Build Character – A Critical Element to Success

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become your character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. ~Author Unknown

Do you realize how character can impact the success of your business or organization?  Do you know what character is?  Let me share the definition…
char•ac•ter n.   The qualities built into an individual’s life that determine his or her response, regardless of circumstances.

I recently had the pleasure to hear Nancy De Boer, the Executive Director of the West Michigan Character Council, speak at a Lakeshore Leadership Organization event.  Nancy spoke on the value of character and how this determines the success of an organization.  This was amazing content (and is seriously overlooked in business and family today) and I wanted to pass this on to all my readers, as well.

There are 49 character qualities, yes 49!  You can view all these qualities at http://www.westmichigancharactercouncil.org.  As you develop and enhance these 49 qualities, your life and business will be transformed.  Some of the 49 qualities include compassion, honor, loyalty, and tolerance (which is the Quality of the Month for March).  The Character Initiative takes the 49 qualities and breaks them down month by month (so this program is a 4-year cycle).

Character is what makes us do the right thing.  I love this quote by J.C. Watts (former congressman):
“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking.  There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” ~J.C. Watts

What makes us do the right thing?  There are typically three reasons:
1 – Fear: we don’t want to get in trouble
2 – To achieve personal gain
3 – It’s the right thing to do

The development of character (at least all facets of character – there are 49!) can be compared to a bamboo tree.  Yes, I said bamboo tree!  Let me finish… A bamboo tree takes years to see any growth.  However, once it starts growing, it grows very quickly and is extremely strong (can survive earthquakes!).  This is the desire for businesses and employees.  During difficult times, the hope is that the business and the employees have developed the character necessary to handle it.  Would you, your business, or your employees survive?

What is the one thing you would want to be known for or would want your company to be known for?  You want to have one main focus.  What is it for you or your business?  It’s time to create a culture of character in your business.  Find the good in your workforce and build on it.  Praise character in others sincerely and with care.  You will be amazed at what this simple act can do for your employees, your business, and your bottom line.

We train so much on “hard skills”, but in reality, it’s the “soft skills” that make us successful.  It’s time for all of us to work on our character… Think about how all our lives would be impacted!

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Thanks, Nancy, for your amazing insight!

To your success and transformation,

Note: Learn more about How to Build Character from Stephen Covey, Hyrum Smith, and many more!

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