Leadership and Character

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character, give him power.” All leadership positions come with a certain degree of power, but character, is displayed through the use of that power.

Character, is the firm foundation upon which one must build to win respect. The respect that leaders must have requires that one’s ethics be without question. Therefore, no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on anything less. In the final analysis, how we are perceived communicates far more than what we say.

As parents, coaches and professionals, we are constantly being watched and evaluated. To provide the right example, we must stay above the line between right and wrong and stay well clear of the gray areas. By taking the higher road, and demonstrating the courage to do the right thing, people will follow. This will build others up, challenge, inspire and bring out the best in one’s athletes or employees, because no one will follow a hypocrite. So, look over your shoulder now and then to be sure someone’s following you. If they are, then you are leading in the right direction.

As Andrew Carnegie once said, “the older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”