Leadership and Character

We all possess an internal set of standards, beliefs, values and principles that guide us through our personal and professional lives. I call this “character” – the pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual.

The formation and development of character occurs throughout our lives from birth to death. While character is generally established early on in life, it does change, grow even in adulthood. For example, we would all agree that life changing events such as job loss, illness, death, marriage and divorce impact our internal character.

So what does character have to do with leadership?

First, what is leadership?

Leadership – The position or guidance of a leader.

Leader — A person, who leads, directs commands or is the guiding head of a group or activity.

Lead – To show a way to or direct the course of by going before or along with to guide or show the way.

I would contend that many recent failures of leadership were the result of individual leaders not adhering to their character. Leadership will fail when one does not follow their character.

For example, many contend the recent economic crisis was caused by subprime mortgages, credit swap defaults or excessive greed. These are really only symptoms of the real cause – a breakdown in character.

We need to listen and listen always to our internal voice, our internal standards, beliefs, values and principles. Let them guide you as a leader. Provide leadership surrounded by your character. If you do, you will be able to lead through good times and bad times. You will be able to lead through crisis.

This is a call for character. A call for leadership based on character. If we are to make it through the current economic crisis and through the other challenges we face as a country, as a world, we need to this type of leadership.

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