Three Keys to Building Character

(Download a PPT for presenting the Key Concepts)

Character development takes place informally every day. In other words, our character is often formed and developed unintentionally. Daily life is a great place to build character, but we must be careful about letting our character develop by chance, for that places far too much control in the hands of our environment and the people around us. The goal of Character First! is to help individuals and organizations take responsibility for their personal character growth.

By applying the following three keys, you can place a new level of intention on your character development.

1. Emphasize

To emphasize good character, simply heighten the awareness. Study character qualities. Read stories of men and women who have shown good character. Surround yourself with reminders to apply qualities like joyfulness, endurance, honor, and thriftiness to everyday life. Participate in training opportunities offered by your organization. The more you think in terms of good character qualities, the easier it becomes to make the qualities a part of your life.

2. Require

Good character is required by raising standards of good character and lowering acceptance of bad behavior. Evaluate your attitudes, words, and actions according to the forty-nine character qualities. Did you convey gratefulness to the customer? Were your words persuasive? Did your actions illustrate your commitment to truthfulness? Consider what you can do to align your actions with the policies of your organization.

3. Recognize

Everyone desires recognition and praise. Furthermore, we all have a natural tendency to do things that result in recognition. Thus, it is critical to look for good character in others and to praise it. Although simply telling your coworker that he is doing a good job mopping the floor might encourage him, think about how much more you could communicate by telling him how thorough he is. Do you think your coworker would rather be known as a “good floor-mopper” or as a “thorough person?” Look for opportunities every day to praise others for the good character they demonstrate.

Building character is not like building a machine. It cannot be finished in a day, a week, or even a year. Although tremendous progress is possible in a short time, building character requires a lifetime of commitment, awareness, and effort.

Character Application Discussion Questions

Break into small groups, and allow each group to discuss one of these questions before sharing answers and personal applications with everyone else.

• What problems could your organization face if it employs people with poor character?
• What aspects of daily life have the power to shape and form our character?
• What are creative ways that you can help emphasize character in your organization?
• What standards in your workplace relate to good character?
• How has another personís recognition of your character or efforts encouraged you?