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.

The Character of Humility

Character Leadership - The Character of Humility

“Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts.  It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.”  ~William Temple

Definition:   A humble and modest attitude that reflects a non boasting behavior of an individual.

Arrogance and pride are the opposites of humility. These are the attitudes that lift our self-interests and our self-sufficiencies, which seem necessary and good. When one feels that one is superior to another, even to the extent of the regarding of others with contempt as if they were unworthy of any relation or interaction with us, it increases arrogance and increases pride in us.  It is admitting that others are directly or indirectly responsible for our achievements. Humility will enable us to be a teachable person who is willing to have a good attitude of submission to our authorities and the attitude to serve than to be served.

It is fulfillment and not just mere satisfaction when you can help others in need. In this, it is not about neglecting ourselves and totally ignoring our own basic needs. If we first learn to be orderly with our lives, we can progress into being more observant with the needs of others around us and help them unconditionally. It is not easy indeed to have a character of humility and focus on the needs of others than self but it is worth it.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Do I have the character of humility and learn from my mistakes?” When we make mistakes, we need to take responsibility to admit it rather than running away from it and give much excuses. To admit one’s mistakes without hesitation is strength and takes courage to do it.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with humility and what flows out of humility are acceptance and trust from others. In our surrounding, we live with people of different age group and at times, we may need to work under someone’s instruction that is in authority but is younger. Wisdom does not necessary comes with age although it is ideal. We can also learn from the young.

Helping others should be self-motivated and not because there is a reward or a recognition. If we help someone and boast it to others, the whole matter about helping others will appear worthless in essence. There is a difference between boasting and someone praising you when they discover your good deeds.  

The Character of Hospitality

Character Leadership - The Character of Hospitality

“When hospitality becomes an art, it loses its very soul” - Max Beebohm

 

Definition:   Kindness in welcoming guest or strangers without expecting any rewards.

Unfriendliness, Inhospitality, Animosity, are the opposites of hospitality. These negative traits and feelings will allow you to give up precious friendships and opportunities for personal growth through networking, connections, and fellowship. These are rotten outcome of egocentricity, as you only see the world as it revolves around you, and you miss seeing the value of others. With this negative attitude, you will not develop good friendships or be effective in the community, neighborhood, or workplace. 

Hospitality is rendering unto others our resources, including comfort, sharing our food, and friendship. Hospitality is the ability to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and even lodging.

Hospitality also means we are contributing to the development and growth of our family, friends, and the community Hospitality is the door to mentorship as without hospitality, mentorship will not blossom and function. We must be willing to go beyond our preconceived needs, comforts, and ideas to provide an ambiance which contributes to the physical and emotional growth of people around us.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Have I been a hospitable person?” To make people feel welcome and at ease, we must create a good first impression by greeting them cheerfully and try to remember their names. A disinterested greeting puts people off and makes people uncomfortable. If we have guest at home, we should demonstrate our willingness to share our things, whether it is extra cloths, giving up our bed or letting them use the bathroom before ourselves.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with hospitality and what flows out of hospitality are deeper friendship and relationships. The key to making others feel important is to put others before self. Going out of our way and sacrificing our own preferences will make others feel important. We cannot call ourselves hospitable if we expect something from others. We should extend care and friendship freely without expecting anything back in order to learn the true meaning of hospitality. 

The Character of Gratefulness

Character Leadership - The Character of Gratefulness

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

   

Definition:  Warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received from others.  

Ingratitude, and Disapproval are the opposites of gratefulness. This means the refusal to acknowledge and respond to what others including our family have done for us. Gratitude is an attitude of being thankful, even when we do not see what we have. Although gratefulness can mean thankfulness, or to respond to a favor we have received, it is a much deeper response where our hearts are filled with gratitude for the people who have benefitted us in our life, and this includes being grateful to our parents for their unconditional nurturing. Even when what they did may seem small to our wants, or even though we may not be able to see them.

Gratefulness is what happens in the “dark”. It is what happened when we are in solitude and when we are aware that we need to respond to what others have done for us. The preparation of response to show our gratitude hence happens in the “dark” as we do not show off to others when we want to show gratefulness.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Have I been grateful to those who benefitted me?” Parents and teachers are the one who make the most impact on our lives. They need to be appreciated for their devotion to our upbringing. We should show gratitude by showing respect to them and honoring them with correct behaviors.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with gratefulness and what flows out of gratefulness are joy in our hearts and genuine friendship and love in relationship.  Gratefulness is more than just being thankful. It can also be expressed in action like writing a “thank you” note. To express our gratefulness in writing is a good form of action to others. Gratefulness is also about contentment with what we already have. To want more and more of material things means we will never be satisfied. To be satisfied with what we have will make our lives richer as we need very little to be happy. Relationship with family, friends and neighbors can make us happy. However, being contended does not mean being complacent. They are two different things.