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Many leaders would say their most valuable tool is their team or their knowledge in leading their team. However, I think there’s something more important than either of those. This is a tool you probably don’t think about but should.
Your most valuable leadership tool is your character.
Bob Burg became well known for his famous quote from Endless Referrals, “All things being equal, people do business with and refer business to people they know, like, and trust.”
In considering this quote, people will do business with people they know, like and trust.
Building and creating good character may seem difficult, especially if you’ve struggled with honesty, integrity and other character qualities.
However, it can be done. You can build or rebuild your character and become known as someone who lives out his values.
Character isn’t something you were born with and can’t change, like your fingerprints. It’s something you weren’t born with and must take responsibility for forming.
–Jim Rohn
This gives me hope that my character isn’t static. If I mess up or haven’t arrived, I can still change my character. I can fix what I’ve broken. Here are ways to build or rebuild your character.
1. Take responsibility for your actions
But Bill! This wasn’t my fault. I had all the paperwork in order. The deal was done. We were ready to move. It wasn’t my fault.
We’ve all heard or given excuses for something before, much like the above. We’ve all missed the mark and something went wrong.
The question isn’t whether or not you will mess up. The question is whether or not you will take responsibility for your actions.
Character requires you to take responsibility for your actions. Whether or not your actions were the direct cause for something going wrong, you have to be willing to own up to mistakes or delays.
Be willing to say: It’s OK. I own this. I messed up. But we’re moving forward and we’re going to get this done.
2. Create regular disciplines in your life
People with good character are people who have great discipline in their lives. They choose to do what is right even when doing what is right isn’t easy.
Discipline creates structure in your life. Because of your discipline, you know what it takes to stay strong. Your discipline will create the guideposts to the things you say yes or no to.
3. Be generous
People with character are often the most generous people you will ever meet. This is because people with character know they’re not here only for themselves. They were put on this earth to bless and grow others.
Are you generous? It’s not only a monetary generosity we’re looking for here. Generosity may be giving time, money or energy.
People with character are always looking for ways to give back. A few areas you may be able to be generous in are volunteering in your local youth group, giving a significant tip to a restaurant server who did a great job or working with Habitat For Humanity to build a new house.
4. Be honest
A person who is honest is not only someone who doesn’t lie or deceive, but they tell the truth in a loving and gentle way.
These are the building blocks of character. There are many more things you will have to do to fully build your character but these are where you can start. Begin working on taking responsibility, creating disciplines, being honest and being generous.
Photo source: istock
 | Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More » |
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