The Character of Loyalty

Character Leadership - The Character of Loyalty

Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. Respect for one's superiors; care for one's crew. – Grace Murray Hopper

Definition:   A feeling of devotion, duty, or attachment to somebody, something or a country.

Disloyalty, Betrayal, Distrusting, and Unfaithful, are the opposites of loyalty. It is allowing ourselves to characterize our desires and manipulate others rather than build them up. This mindset will quickly turn into contempt, and will cause us to disrespect and undermine our authorities as well as one another. This will lead to disputes and bitterness. The character of loyalty keeps us remain committed to those people who are important in our live. Being loyal exhibits our commitment to our loved ones and our friends.

Loyalty is like faith; it means assurance of another. In ancient times, the two words had the same meaning, and referred to one's loyalty to a person, or trustworthiness to a promise they had made. The person receiving the promise was acting on faith and trusting in that person, and that is what loyalty is mainly about. But, loyalty has another facet to it. It is also a call that we involve other characters into, such as, forgiveness, mercy, and respect. We are to realize this with people, even when it is underserved and unearned. It is also the knowledge that people with whom we place our loyalty will disappoint us. However, we cannot base our character and self image in their reaction. Our outlook on life and reaction to people needs to be rooted in mercy and forgiveness and in love, not on how those people respond to us. We are not responsible for how people treat us; we are only responsible for treating them with utmost character. 

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Have I been a loyal person in treating my family, my friends and even my country?” A loyal person will encourage and comfort during hard times. Loyalty rides out the storms of life and brightens each day regardless of costs. In our country, we have a pledge to honor our country. In time of crisis we must not blame the government or people but continue to honor our commitment to the country by making positive contributions.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with loyalty and what flows out of loyalty are deeper relationships and trust and confidence from others. When we spend time and efforts to serve others, we are demonstrating loyalty, whether we are helping at home or at work. When we do well in our work, we are showing loyalty to our workplace and our superiors.  We may not always agree with our authorities and when this happen, instead of making fun and ridicule them, we should patiently correct or defend such person as a show of loyalty.

The Character of Integrity

Character Leadership - The Character of Integrity

"Love all, trust a few. Do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare

 

Definition:   Steadfast attitude to a strict moral or ethical code

Hypocrisy, Dishonesty, and Corruption are the opposites of integrity. When we carry out these negative traits or do not keep our word, we are misrepresenting our own good name. We must be on guard with modern teaching of relativism where people who will do all they can to try to convince us to give up our integrity and character by appealing arguments, passionate pleas, peer pressure, rationalizations, and ridicule on a personal level on why we do not need integrity.

The character of integrity is essential for deeper relationships and developing other people’s confidence in you because integrity will produce honor, truth, and reliability. It will allow one to keep his or her word and do the best even when no one else is aware. It is also considered the quintessence and application of Character and the demonstration of who we are and that our reputation is real and backed up with our attitude and word. The absence of integrity is an indication that we are perhaps fakes and frauds at worst, and ineffective and useless at best. It is essential that we pursue integrity because it will build trust with our relationship with family and friends.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Do I strive to have integrity in what I do?” Being honest and truthful is not easy in our society when many are compromising truth and honesty with lies and more lies. If we stand out to be bold to be honest and truthful, we will be outstanding and will gain much respects from others around us. We must also stay away from unhealthy talks and mindless games. We can be funny at times and say things to make others laugh but if we do not have self-control and stop at appropriate time, we will become ridiculous and will look silly. This is counteractive to the character of integrity we strive to have.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with integrity and what flows out of integrity are trusts from others and outstanding confidence. People with integrity usually will attract many wanting to be mentored because they can be trusted and others want to learn from them. As such, a mentor must not be critical and should be an encourager instead. This will greatly enhance the integrity one already has. We cannot also be greedy with money and must learn to “Love people, use money. Not use people, love money”

The Character of Discretion

Character Leadership - The Character of Discretion

“Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor. Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance, that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature. "      – William Shakespeare

Definition:  Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress by recognizing and avoiding undesirable words, actions and attitude.

Carelessness, Recklessness, Impulsiveness and a Lack of Concern are the opposites of discretion. These negative traits will make us fail to see others as important or worth our effort to respond to them in a tactful and good relational way. Discretion keeps us focus on sound judgment, giving serious attention and thought to what is going on around us. We can then choose our words wisely, have a positive attitude, and carry out our actions carefully to model goodness and righteousness for any given situation, thus avoiding words and actions that could result in adverse consequence.

The character of discretion enables us to recognize and avoid the wrong attitudes that create undesirable words, actions, etc., that are condescending to others and can bring negative relationship consequences. To put discretion in action, as Character Leaders, we must remember to think before we speak, and be careful not to say things that could hurt someone. We must also strive to avoid bad influences and questionable activities, as they will manipulate us, and as garbage is poured in our minds, garbage comes out in our words and deeds. When we consider our words carefully before we speak, we will make an impression that will ensure that others will listen to what we have to say in future.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Do I have discretion when I speak?” We have to consider our words carefully before we speak. When we are criticized, we must separate what is being said from how it is said. There may be a lesson to be learnt that may benefit us if we do this. If we constantly adjust our behavior to the criticism we will become better person and earn the respect and trust of others.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with discretion and what flows out of discretion are improved relationships and wisdom to make wise choices and decisions. Everyone has his /her own value. Discretion allows us to see the values in others so instead of teasing and making fun; we encourage and befriend those we think are different from us. This is good manners and to have good manners is to be considerate towards others. It also shows that our respect for others is translated into action.

The Character of Dependability

Character Leadership - The Character of Dependability

“Ability without dependability has no value” – unknown.

Definition:  Able to be trusted to act in the way required or expected even if it means unexpected sacrifices.

Unreliability and Unpredictability are the opposites of dependability. Having an erratic and unpredictable personality that displays irresponsibility behaviors makes people wants to stay away from you. On the other hand, when you are reliable and trustworthy, people will respect and honor you. Being dependable also mean that we have to continue in our commitment to finish a given task even if it means a certain level of personal sacrifices. Dependability is the quality of always being there for others from family, friends as well as neighbors and the others around us.

As Character Leaders, the character of dependability, once lost, people around us will not trust us and it is very difficult to gain it back again. Hence, if we are unable to fulfill a task or a promise, we do not give our words we will. If we give our words, we must ensure we fulfill it. Being dependable is a reflection of our priorities, if your priorities are not trustworthiness centered then you will not show good character to others. Being trustworthy shows our commitment to others by being a person who cares for them personally as well as for just a charitable cause.

Reflections:

Ask yourself; “Am I a dependable person to my family, friends and colleagues?” Our dependability needs to be built on the fact that our family, friends and colleagues are dependable with us because we should response to what these people may have done for us out of a sense of gratitude. Likewise, we are also dependable on them the same way. Hence, we must find the time to spend with them to build the trust. 

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with dependability and what flows out of dependability are trust and confidence. If we treasure our reputation we will make sure that whatever we promise or say we will do, we will carry it out. This is important than a written contract and overtime, people will accept whatever we say with confidence. One way to avoid breaking promises is to be careful with what is promised in the first place. If we are not sure that we can carry out the promise, we should assure with “I will try my best” which is different from “Yes I promised to do as agreed”. If we make a commitment and do not fulfill it, we are looked upon as unreliable and this is a bad attitude to have. We must remember that when we make a commitment, we did it of our own accord.

The Character of Creativity

Character Leadership - The Character of Creativity

“There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun.” -  Pablo Picasso .” - Confucius

Definition:   The ability to use the imagination to develop new and original ideas or things.

Cynicism, Destructive, Indifference, and laziness are the opposite of creativity. These negative character traits cause us to become laidback individuals and people around us will also not be motivated at all.

Creativity can be used to do good or harm. Like fire, it can burn or create warmth and cook our food. We must use our creative talents for good work.

Daily, we all have problems and challenges that need solving; it is an inevitable part of life. However, what many people don't realize is that most of the problems can be overcome by using simple, focused program of brainstorming, either by themselves or with others. Being creative does not mean we can compromise our principles when trying to solve anything. If we keep within the framework of sound principles, our creativity will ensure success. To compromise is to allow confusion and negative consequences to creep in.

The character of creativity brings excitement and fresh perspective to our daily chores, issues and problems. It keeps our brains active and life exciting.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “What are the issues in my life that would improve with more creativity?” We must learn to look at things from many perspectives. Our circumstances look different when viewed from a different angle. We must look at our circumstances from a different perspective so that we can better resolve a situation.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with creativity and what flows out of creativity are more fresh opportunities and achievements. Some define luck as the confluence of opportunities and preparedness. When we learn all we can, we are better prepared to seize it when an opportunity presents itself. To be a person with character we must constantly check for flaws and weaknesses in how we conduct ourselves, how we work and how we relate to each other. Character building is done in steps. As such, we must constantly strive to improve ourselves to be a better person. Creativity plays a very big part in how we can improve ourselves.  

The Character of Integrity

Character Leadership - The Character of Integrity

"Love all, trust a few. Do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare

Definition:   Steadfast attitude to a strict moral or ethical code

Hypocrisy, Dishonesty, and Corruption are the opposites of integrity. When we carry out these negative traits or do not keep our word, we are misrepresenting our own good name. We must be on guard with modern teaching of relativism where people will do all they can to try to convince us to give up our integrity and character by appealing arguments, passionate pleas, peer pressure, rationalizations, and ridicule on a personal level on why we do not need integrity.

The character of integrity is essential for deeper relationships and developing other people’s confidence in you because integrity will produce honor, truth, and reliability. It will allow one to keep his or her word and do the best even when no one else is aware. It is also considered the quintessence and application of Character and the demonstration of who we are and that our reputation is real and backed up with our attitude and word. The absence of integrity is an indication that we are perhaps fakes and frauds at worst, and ineffective and useless at best. It is essential that we pursue integrity because it will build trust with our relationship with family and friends.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Do I strive to have integrity in what I do?” Being honest and truthful is not easy in our society when many are compromising truth and honesty with lies and more lies. If we stand out to be bold to be honest and truthful, we will be outstanding and will gain much respects from others around us. We must also stay away from unhealthy talks and mindless games. We can be funny at times and say things to make others laugh but if we do not have self-control and stop at appropriate time, we will become ridiculous and will look silly. This is counteractive to the character of integrity we strive to have.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with integrity and what flows out of integrity are trusts from others and outstanding confidence. People with integrity usually will attract many wanting to be mentored because they can be trusted and others want to learn from them. As such, a mentor must not be critical and should be an encourager instead. This will greatly enhance the integrity one already has. We cannot also be greedy with money and must learn to “Love people, use money. Not use people, love money”

The Character of Initiative

Character Leadership - The Character of Initiative

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." - Conrad Hilton

Definition:   The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination without prompting or direction from others.

Resistance to change, Refusing to put forth effort, and Laziness are the opposites of initiative. People with these negative traits will not see the goodness they can have; rather only the work and effort that is required for them to finish a task because they will not consider it worth their endeavor to do well in their job. They are like a virus and will also cause others to follow their lead into laziness and excuse making!   

The character of initiative, on the other hand, will motivate a person to recognize and do what is needed before being asked to do it. This character will help power us though set backs, failures and adversities. However, not all initiative can be good, as it may sometimes lead us away from our original intention and objective. We have to be discerning that our motivations side by side with the rest of the other good character traits. If not, we may motivate ourselves into the wrong direction, and rationalize all kinds of excuses when things do not turn out right.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “What are the issue is my life that would improve with more initiative?” Yesterday is already gone, tomorrow is not here yet so the only time to do anything is today. Continually postponing projects encourages laziness which shows a lack of initiative. Initiative will motivate us to start something without being told to do so and this habit is beneficial to us.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with initiative and what flows out of initiative are potential leadership skills and potential wealth and knowledge. A person with initiative focuses on the problem and in doing so finds solutions to solve it. A person who criticizes without doing anything to help solve the problem becomes part of the problem as he causes others to be distracted or become negative. A person with initiative helps others rather than wait to be helped. Leaders fall under this category.