The Importance of Developing Your Character

It used to be that when a person made a deal they would shake hands on it. The deal was guaranteed by a person’s character. You valued your character and what people thought about you. Honoring the deal was vital to your relationships. There are still people today who value a handshake more than a contract. The thing is your character is what people will remember you by. Whether it be after you’ve left a job, a relationship, or after you die, it will be your character that lives on. So it’s vitally important to develop a strong sense of your character to leave behind a good impression. One’s character is the building blocks to all relationships. At work it is your character that enhances your relationships with your teammates, leaders, and the people who work for you. We always say when we leave a job we don’t want to burn bridges. It is your character that keeps those flames away from those bridges. There are three elements to the equation that makes up your character. What you say + what you do + your values = character. In this equation your values are the constant that influences the rest of the equation. Your character starts with your values. Your values should be the guide to your every decision. If you don’t have your values listed out in priority then you might want to start doing so. I have my values written out in priority and I rewrite them in the same order each day. I have them memorized so that when a decision comes my way I can refer back to them to guide me. In other words your values should stabilize what you say and do which develops your character. If you want to be a great teammate, friend, or leader it all falls down upon your character. The only way someone can judge that character is based on what you say and do. So identify those values that matter most to you and let them guide you in every aspect of your life. So when you do leave a lasting impression, it will be a good one.