The Art of Being REAL

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” – John Wooden

I’m faced with two candidates for a position.

One is highly skilled, graduated top of the class, and was voted “most likely to succeed” – one of those people with enviable gifts that everyone wishes they had, but few naturally possess.

The other is good, but less skilled. This person graduated more toward the middle of the class, but has managed to succeed in every previous position by exhibiting a high level of dedication, proactive learning, and tenacity.

Which would you hire?

Now what if I told you that the first person, while extremely talented, was fired from the last three positions after only a few months each because this person failed to show up to work on time and had anger issues.

And that the second person, while far less naturally qualified, managed to turn a struggling company to massive profit in less than three years. This person also was highly valued by the company and respected by peers and employees across the board.

Now which would you hire?

These are the kinds of scenarios I encounter weekly in my line of business. Now, ideally, you want a person who has all the natural abilities AND character, but if a choice has to be made, I will choose character any day. You can teach skills, but you can’t teach character. That has to come from the inside.

Character, to me, is the art of being REAL.

People of character are people who…

Realize that doing the right thing is the right thing, no matter what or where.
Elevate others above self, seeking to serve rather than be served.
Actively work to keep promises made and commitments fulfilled.
Live true to unshakeable core values, beliefs, and solid principles.

We live in a day where these ideals are tested on a daily basis. Character isn’t something you get and keep – it’s something you strive to maintain every single day.

Are you surrounding yourself with those who support strong character or challenge it? Are you reading materials that will build character or things that will tempt you to do wrong? What are you watching? Where are you going? How are you working?

These are questions we must each ask ourselves daily in order to keep the one thing that matters most in our lives. Character – it’s worth fighting for.

If you have a comment. leave it below. I’d love to hear from you!