As a lifelong student of human nature and leadership, I have come to the conclusion that the core and soul of leadership is character.

Character, I believe, is developed by each of us dealing with moral issues, confrontation and staying the course of truth. Leaders with character have experienced a crucible moment, and have gained the ability to humble themselves, and thus, gain a special awareness. This grants them a great wisdom to lead with character.

Character enables one to speak from the heart, to be genuine, to show courage, passion and to put yourself out there. To display an authentic sense of who you are.

Character development is akin to historic progress and takes place imperceptibly, through daily effort and a strong internal commitment and leaders of character lead along the grain of human nature, rather than go against it.

Character is found by asking oneself what life is asking of us and to become a steward of the organization and lead with the ultimate goal of making people and the organization better. Character is the sum total of all relationships. And reflects trust and serving others before you.

One dictionary defines character as “The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.” Character is built into the person’s life. According to Aristotle, “The ultimate aim of human life and activity is development of character.”

As leaders we need to embrace life with respect, having a clear vision and appreciation, affection and esteem for the people whose lives we touch each day.

Shakespeare wrote, “To thine own self be true.” Meaning, you are what you believe in.

One’s character is tested when confronted with a huge challenge, a crisis or a setback. Your reaction to adversity is the essence of character.

Character entails being a giver, not a taker. To suppress your own ego’s needs for the good of others is character. The foundation of character is integrity, which involves being trustworthy, standing up and taking risks in order to do the right thing. Leaders with character champion new and, many times, unpopular ideas. And, they are willing to take the heat during the bad times.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Reputation is the shadow, character is the tree.”  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. A person’s character reveals the state of their heart.

Wisdom flows, in the long-term, from leaders with good character. Dedication to the right principles and a genuine concern for others may, on occasion, be a short-term disadvantage, but in the longer term it will attract and retain loyal employees and customers. And in fact, create lasting success.

Ponder the following:

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become your habits.

Watch your habits, they become your character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” – Frank Outlaw

The reality is, your character is indeed your legacy.

In an organization, the character of the leader sets the tone. Employees model the character of the leadership. How would your employees rate the character of your company? Are compassion, courage, fairness, trust, mutual respect and integrity valued as a key part of the fabric of your organization?

We all make mistakes and learn from them. Leaders with true character learn from the fruits of their right and wrong decisions. Of course, we all have the opportunity to change and to improve character.

Leaders that inspire live to serve the needs of the broader business enterprise or the community in a way that is more important than their own desires.

The challenge we all confront each day is to live a life of character, to practice what we truly believe in!