Core Leadership

Character is core to leadership,

"What is character?"

Here are a few definitions of character:

1. Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality

2. Moral or ethical strength

3. Who you are when no one else is around

In other words, a person of good character is a person who has a strong moral base and acts on it. They have the core inner strength, fortitude and determination to do what is right, whether anyone else is there to validate it or not. They operate out of what is good and right, not out of personal expedience.

Essential Traits of Good Character are Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty. 

A person of good character shows that they can give up personal gain for the good of the whole.

Let us focus on self-control, sacrifice and accountability.

Self-Sacrifice: What is it about self-sacrifice that breeds followers? Followers do not 

mind putting in the hard work. They don't even mind a leader making more money or reaping benefits from their work. What followers do mind though, is when the leader is using them for his or her own personal gain. People of good character do not use other people--period. So, when leader shows sacrifice of personal gain, it says to the followers that he or she is willing to come along side of them - and followers reward that almost universally. 

Accountability: The need for accountability doesn't prove lack of character. Rather, 

it proves the presence of character. Followers are growing tired of those leaders who will have nothing to do with accountability. They do not mind leaders who make mistakes. They do mind leaders who will not take responsibility for those mistakes by being accountable. When we allow ourselves to be held accountable, our followers know that we are serious about keeping our own house in order and thus will do a good job in leading the rest of the organization.

Self-control: The ability to make decisions - good decisions. There will be plenty of options to participate in things that are not moral. Everybody has temptations, but the person of good character knows well enough to exercise self-control, literal control over his or her choices. When people do not exercise self-control, they sabotage their ability to lead. People lose respect for them and will follow less, if at all. 

Self-control is the ability to choose to do the things we should and to refrain from doing the things we shouldn't. When we exhibit self-control we again build trust in our followers. They respect us and want to follow us.

I wish You Great Success.