What does it mean when we say "They Have Character"
So much is now questioned about the CHARACTER of an individual. This includes the
character of the President, to someone running for public office and all the way to the character
of those you work with or someone being hired.
So, what is it that CHARACTER means?
My approach to explaining CHARACTER is to break it down to definable qualities. You’ll see from
my thinking style that I use the letter of the word to define the characteristics.
These are the "C’s" of CHARACTER from my point of view. So when your hear someone refer to
another’s CHARACTER – ask them to give you their definition. If they don’t have one, use
these qualities to determine if they demonstrate CHARACTER.
Convictions – are values and beliefs that we have adopted and choose to live by. If we honorably
live by our convictions we will have grounded principles to deal with our life’s dilemmas. If we don’t
stand for something – we’ll fall for everything.
Courage – is the degree of personal strength we have to live to the extent of our convictions. We
should always expect to have our convictions tested. That’s just reality. Courage is the inner quality
to overcome our fears in pursuit of our convictions even if it puts us in harms way.
Confidence – is our ability to conduct ourselves in both familiar and unfamiliar situations assuredly.
Presenting our qualities of self-regard, self-esteem and inner trust in our dealing with others.
Capabilities – are our skills and talents. Some of these come from nature and some are nurtured.
The challenge we must understand is that our current skills and talents may not be enough to deal
with future problems. We must continue to develop our capabilities to challenge ourselves to grow
and change.
Commitment – is the promise we make to stay true to ourselves, to stay focused on our goals and
determination to achieve results. Commitment is the key ingredient to doing an outstanding job.
Civility – is the manner in which we treat and deal with others. It’s the demonstration of honor and
respect for those we share even the briefest moment of time.
Contentment – is being respectful and at peace with what we have accomplished and achieved.
Be satisfied but not undeterred from further growth.
Other words of Character: Concern, Compassion, Creativity, Collaboration, Consistency...all define
our true CHARACTER.
So when your hear someone refer to another’s CHARACTER –
ask them to give you their definition. If they don’t have one, share these
qualities.
William Maloney, Chief Talent Officer, WAM@STMofNH.com 603.766.4935
These are my thoughts; you may have your own, if so give me your thoughts.






Hello Bill,
Excellent blog.
Very thought provoking article. The depth of your thinking is fantastic.
George
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Bill:
great thoughts and focus on the issue, which has to do more with systems, processes, people, compensation plans and clear communications aligned with corporate strategies, than it is with faulty employees. Also really like the format and presentation of your bolg.
Regards,
Jerry
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