a balance of power

 

“… she followed power itself instead of risking her life for principles.”  Jacqueline Novogratz – The Blue Sweater

 

In your life has the idea or thought of power taken over your principles or values? 

So many people have been caught up in the vortex of power.   Power will not release its grip on anyone.   Power seeks more power and that in of itself becomes an intoxicating lure capable of destroying values and character.  Those who survive the ecstasy of power have strong guides that are reliable and honest.   

foundation of character

“While your circumstances are beyond your control, your character is not.” 
John Maxwell

 

Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

 

What is character made of?

Values

It is more than just values.   Character is living your values with sincerity.     Sincerity is derived from the Latin sincerus meaning clean, pure, sound.  

Values that are expressed and lived out in a pure manner demonstrate your character.     Values are often associated with a positive moral ethic, truth, honesty, humility, kindness, and patience to yourself and with others.    The values that you live determine your character. 

Search for excellence

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore,
is not an act but a habit.”
Aristotle

Not  only is excellence a habit that needs to be developed so are other aspects of our lives.  Each postive aspect needs to be nurtured and developed so that it is a habit.  It might be  integrity, character, honesty, charity, or authenticity, any of these can be cultivated and grown.  The question might be do we attempt to do those things that improve our soul.   Do we spend enough time developing significance or do we spend our time perfecting success?  What is more important to you success or significance?

my character counts

What is character?

What makes character important?

Where do you find character?

How do you build a lasting character?

Posner and Kouzes the authors of “The Leadership Challenge” surveyed thousands of business and government executives to see what they thought were the most important ‘characteristics’ for a leader.

1.    Honesty

2.    Vision – forward looking

3.    Inspiring

4.    Competent

5.    Fair-minded

6.    Supportive

7.    Broad-minded

8.    Intelligent

9.    Straightforward

10.  Dependable

 

Honesty ranks as the number one character trait that matters more than any other trait.  How important do you think honesty is in America today?   Do the top leaders act with impeccable honesty?   Do leaders in the middle support and make honesty their #1 objective?

The honesty dilemma.   Most people would say that being honest is the right thing to do, and at the same time have difficulty executing with honesty during the day.  Why is that?

Is there some type of fear that is associated with being honest?   What is it?   Is it a cultural issue?   Is it habit or bad habits that trap us in a web of twists and turns that take truth and mold it to fit in a better way the story we want to be told.

How important is it for a leader to be honest?   How important is it for everyone to be honest?

defining personal success factors

Where are the keys?

What is success?

What is personal success?  What does it mean?   How do you get it?   Where do you find it?

How long does it take to get there?

You have a key in your hand.  Behind one of many doors is your future, a future that is filled with the things your heart desires.   What your heart desires.   The key fits the lock that matches the desires of your heart. 

Finding the desire of the heart is the goal.  

Find the who in you.

Are you one that:

            Acts boldly
            Takes risks
            Acts implusively
            Seeks adventure
            Assertive and to the point
            Physical

OR

 

 

            Enjoys task and structure
            has a serious attitude
            is a helper
            Cares for body and health
            is Direct but cautious
            follows rules
            respects authority

OR

 

 

            Questions and explores ideas
            considers the ideas of other’s
            highly independent
            lives in imagination
            desires competency
            expectations are set high

OR

            Thanks others
            Integrity matters
            likes to make things better
            likes to brighten the day of others
            a team player
            clam – peacemaker – harmony

 

 

Which category fits you best?  Are you living at your best?