Turns out this year is a unique year for the world. Over half the global population will be going to the polls in over 60 countries to elect their next leader. Some have a much higher profile than others. At the end of the year our global political landscape will be different than at the start of the year. For better or worse time will tell. We have our own spate of elections looming at a federal, state and local government level. When it comes to voting, it gets down to a decision of character. Who you trust. It is the same when you are recruiting people. Everyone looks good on paper, but ultimately it comes down to a decision on their character.
Character reveals itself over time, by how people respond to different circumstances, and whether they deliver on what they say they will do. There are no “one off” assessment tools to define the accuracy of someone’s character. Character should never be confused with personality.
Words reveal what you think. Actions reveal what you believe
Character can be broken into two elements. Both are important for leaders.
- Moral character which encapsulates an individual’s beliefs, ethics, values and social relationships. It reflects how an individual treats themselves and interacts with others. It informs their decision-making, which fuels their mindsets and behaviours. Moral character is deeply rooted in one’s integrity, principles, and moral compass. Moral character is personal character.
- Performance character is about an individual’s passion and commitment to pursue what interests them, to grow and develop as a person, their ambition to achieve personal goals and ambitions, and their ability to do what they say (follow through on promises and commitments to themselves and others). Performance character fuels trust and credibility.
Character is often witnessed when things get bumpy or stressful. Does a person complain, justify, lay blame or deny there is an issue, or do they roll their sleeves up and act, take responsibility, lend a helping hand, and focus on solutions.
A person’s character is only revealed when they are thrown out of the customary comforts of their life
– Leonardo da Vinci
Character is observed and revealed, be it personal or performance, through a variety of actions, behaviours, responses, and mindsets in different situations and scenarios. What follows is a lense to observe and assess anyone’s character:
Actions and behaviours: Do they do what they say they will do? Is there a consistency and reliability in their behaviours over time? Do they behave ethically and treat people with respect? How do they handle responsibility? Do they accept responsibility or blame others? Do they take ownership for acting in the way they did, and the ultimate consequences? Key is how they handle delicate moral dilemmas and affected stakeholders.
Interactions with others: How a person treats, describes, and talks to people around them is a clear indicator of their character. Especially with people who do not have or unable to provide the right of reply. Key is a willingness to care for others and support those in need. A capacity for empathy, kindness, and humility will always be revealed through the lived experience of others.
Reaction to adversity: Game on! What a person does when the chips are down and the going is tough is the ultimate gauge of character. How a person responds to failure, criticism or adversity speaks volumes for their character. Under pressure, does a person remain calm and composed, or the opposite? In times of crisis, a person’s demeanour, courage and grace will reveal their emotional stability and character.
Commitment to principles: Do they do what they say they believe in? People with integrity stick to their values and principles even when unpopular or politically inconvenient. Populism and being liked is hardly a reflection of good character. Often this will be seen as a weakness and character flaw. Populists flip flop in their decision-making. Sticking to values and principles requires courage, resilience, and self-belief. This is key when standing against injustice and wrong doings. A person’s inner strength to stand up for what they believe in reflects their character.
Everyday choices: Credibility is the basis for authentic leadership. It is the little things done day in and day out the builds a leader’s credibility and showcases their character. Things like small acts of kindness, saying thank you, recognising and praising people for a job well done, honouring promises and commitments, closing off feedback loops when you said you would, being on time, and respecting other people’s time are all examples of demonstrating respect and reveals a person’s character to the world.
Symbolism and role modelling: What a person role models, acts on, talks, measures and ignores are all reflections of character. An ability to listen to and reflect on the feedback from others is an important character trait. Without feedback, no learning can take place. Without listening, no feedback can be received.
A person’s character is revealed through the consistent actions of how they treat and interact with others, their responses to challenges, and whether their walk reflects their talk. The adherence to espoused principles in decision-making and actions will ultimately become the test of character.
So, next time you are at the ballot box, for whomever you are being asked to vote for, apply the principles of personal character and performance character:
- Who they are, what they stand for, and whether their principles are supported by their actions and behaviours reveals their personal moral character
- Whether they can be relied upon to do what they say they will reveal their performance character
The two must align!
Leadership Lesson
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation,
because your character is who you really are,
whilst your reputation is what others think you are.
– John Wooden
Legendary University Basketball Coach (Wizard of Westwood)
Facta Non-Verba – Deeds Not Words
