Strength of Character
Recently I vociferously expressed the need for leaders with Strength of Character. Once voiced, I continue to ponder it and its undeniable importance. But, what does ‘strength of character’ mean? Does it mean the same to me as it does to the others on that conference call?
What does strength of character mean to you? How do you define it in one simple phrase? Better yet, what example of strength of character comes to mind when you give a few minutes of thought?
How many people can you name who demonstrate strength of character? When it is needed? Or even on an occasional basis?
Are we sometimes put in a position or situation that grates against our values or character with little or no choice?
While travel was still in our blood, my husband accepted a position in the Middle East. Among our preparation were daylong workshops designed to prevent culture shock. We were excited and very curious about what our lives would be like over the next couple of years. Prior to our arrival, we were instructed by a company representative to stick a $50.00 bill in our passports prior to handing them over to immigration officials. We followed those instructions. Our entrance into the country was uneventful.
That certainly went against our values. But did we have a choice?
What about the situations where we have choices?
Think back to your teenage years. Remember peer pressure. I know of almost no time in our lives that tests strength of character more than dealing with peer pressure. Especially when our peers and what they think seem to be more important than our teachers and certainly more important than what our parents think. There is nothing that challenges strength of character more than peer pressure – at any age.
I know strength of character when I see it. I know when I don’t see it. I know when it is needed. I must define it. Not just for me but for you and leaders everywhere. It’s so important. So what is strength of character?
Malcolm Forbes says, “You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them.” From Thomas B. Macaulay, “The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.” Now, we’re close to the definition. We can all agree that strength of character is often bandied about and occasionally subtly implied. I’m optimistic that we all agree that it is a characteristic that needs to be expected and required by followers and leaders alike.
Today, my definition starts with ethics. Ethics is doing what is right whether someone is watching you or not. That’s another way of saying what Thomas B. Macaulay says about character. My preferred definition of leadership ethics is treating people fairly rather equally. “Wait a minute!” You say? “Aren’t we supposed to treat people equally? Isn’t that almost required by law?” Stop and think. Leaders know that every person is different with different strengths, different ways of communicating, different ideas, personalities, backgrounds, experiences and goals. No two people are alike. So if you treat people equally, in reality, you are treating them… unequally.
Leaders treat people fairly. It requires strength of character to know and value the differences in people and treat them accordingly.
Strength of character, most of all, is stepping up to the plate and doing what is right when it needs to be done, when no one else is willing to do it. It is standing up for your team, protecting your organization, taking care of every client; taking responsibility for your actions and the actions of your team. You may feel as if you are all alone when you show strength of character. However you do it anyway, because it’s right. Now, that’s strength of character!
