WORDS OF WISDOM
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Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece-by thought, choice, courage and determination.
-John Luther
Trust is a must for effective leadership.
-Donna Long
Team members won't remember what you said or did as much as how you made them feel
-Unknown
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CHARACTER COUNTS
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Thousands of participants in my workshops over the years have said that when it comes to leadership, character counts!
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines character as: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual; the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person.
When asking workshop participants what they mean by the word "character," the most common answers center around trust and honesty, especially when a leader's words and actions are in sync and when someone does what's best for all rather than being self-centered. One participant shared that when she's making decisions of character she always asks herself, "Would I feel good about having this decision and all the related details featured on You Tube or Dr. Phil?" I'd say that's a pretty good guide for any of us.
Trust and character as defined above are strongly linked. Basically people want their leaders to say what they mean and mean what they say. It's good to remember that it takes weeks, months or years to build trust but only moments to destroy it. What do you think your team members would say about your character? |
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WE'RE ALL A WORK IN PROGRESS
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I'd like to think that all the leaders reading this newsletter have strong character and work diligently to "walk their talk." But even the best of us can occasionally get off track or face unexpected challenges. An example might be telling someone they can change their schedule and then having to relinquish that decision. When something like that happens, it's how we handle the faux pas that determines a total or temporary loss of trust. This is true even if the circumstances are beyond our control. Here are some things to consider:
- First of all, be careful what you promise. When making promises explain any contingencies that might be involved.
- Secondly, always try to have a backup plan ensuring that promises can be kept.
- If you goof and must go back on something you have said, immediately own up to the mistake and don't make excuses.
- Offer a sincere apology and do your best to compromise, minimizing inconvenience to the team member.
- Learn from such mistakes and determine what you can do to ensure it doesn't happen again.
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USE FREE E-CARDS
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Click this link to send FREE e-cards including many flash cards that are creative, inspirational, and fun. If you are reading a paper copy of this newsletter, simply go to my web site, click on newsletters / leadership. From the electronic version of this newsletter click on the above link.
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