The Power and Example of Character Driven Leaders

I often wonder why adults often have expectations of kids that they do not have of themselves. Over the years, I have found that so many children are told to be respectful, show care and consideration for others and most importantly, honor your parents and those in authority. A kid who follows this model is one who is revered by teachers, parents and society as a whole. The ones who do not are considered rebellious and bucking authority. I often wonder what kind of society we would live in if many adults would live up to same expectations they have of kids. To treat people with respect, exhibit leadership ability, honor people in authority and have compassion for others. There are times when I conduct professional development events that many of the attendees sit in the back of the auditorium or the back tables in a training setting. Many of them are doing this as a way of protesting the authority that asked them to attend the training. Unfortunately, it provides a poor example of leadership. Let's look at this from a national perspective. I am convinced that President Obama is by far the most vilified President in modern history. He is attacked maliciously and people have seem to forgotten that the man has only been in office for 9 months! But we tell our kids, show respect for those in authority while so many of us proceed to bash anyone who we disagree with philosophically. Our kids really have bad examples of respect, honor and integrity today. I say that not to be disrespectful but to highlight the fact that there is a serious dearth of character taking place in our nation. If we ever expect our kids to be respectful, diligent and exhibit leadership characteristics, it is high time more people become examples of these traits. Being an adult is no excuse for lacking character and integrity.

Our country is in desperate need of leaders with character. Character driven adults provide an example that so many of our youth need to see in our schools and homes today. Adults who are willing to respect the opinions of others. Adults who exhibit self control. Adults who are willing to communicate with a child even if that child can be somewhat challenging. This shows that we are the bigger people.

The example established by this model, if implemented correctly, can change the negative environment that is steeped in many organizations and homes today. Let’s get over the paradigm of vitriol that has proliferated so many people. If you care for youth, we need to become the example of what we expect. This is, and always will be, the best way for youth to develop character.

If you are finding that your organization, school, business or home environment is impacted by pessimism, share this E-zine. Please feel free to forward it to someone you know who could benefit from this information. We cannot expect our youth to change if we do not change first. Please call the office toll free at 1-866-426-2243 if you would like to discuss a professional development program for your business or organization or life coaching (parents, managers, etc.) dealing with the power of character driven leadership. We offer coaching programs for individuals or group coaching for organizations.

It Can Be Done!

This year I had a goal to spend the entire year pushing myself physically. I, like most folks, set New Year’s resolutions that I sheepishly admit do not make it past February. I was determined that this would not happen in 2009. I am proud to say with much adulation, I have kept my goal. I workout just about everyday, I have been attending Spin Class (Still Bike) twice a week since January (three times some weeks) and my strength has increased to a level I have not seen since my college years. I am now in cruise control with my workouts, for they have become habitual.

It does not matter if it is a workout; business plan or financial goal, personal accountability towards the goal is the only way you are going to stay with it. Your resolve has to be larger than your excuses. A goal without accountability is like a car without the wheels. You can have all of the ambition in the world, but you will go nowhere. The same process I have implemented for my workouts I am now applying to other areas of my life. I expect to see the same results in these areas as well.

When the New Year arrives, this time do not make a resolution, make a resolve. Your resolve to do something gets stronger the more you do it. We are often our own greatest hindrances so do not allow you to stop you! Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Once this mindset becomes a habit, you can and will achieve any realistic goal you set.

Takeaways From President Obama's Speech

All I can say is amazing! As a kid growing up in Syracuse, NY, I would have loved to hear my Presidents say the things that President Obama said today. Today I did not hear the heart of a President; I heard the heart of a father. When I listen to this President speak, this is what I often hear. I watched the eyes of children as they hung on to his every word. He spoke about the message I try to communicate to students and schools worldwide, find your sense of purpose in life and run with it. We are missing this critical element in education and he nailed it when he talked about Google and Facebook and what people will be saying about your legacy years from now. What a powerful message. Three keys I think that any student can derive from his message for the upcoming school year are:

-You have a responsibility to work hard and do you part. You nation is in need of your effort.
-You have a purpose in life. Find that purpose and realize the role education plays in it.
-Take control of your future. You can do it and we are behind you.

For all the negative naysayers out there, it is time to get over it. It is time for people to stop looking for ways to bash this President and find ways to help our country. Take all the energy that is being used to stop him and allow it to help others. When adults stop acting like kids and learn to work together to improve our country, maybe, just maybe, our kids will start to take us seriously. They watch television and listen to radio shows just like adults. They are tired of the division that has been created by us so called “mature” people. Our country needs a collaborative effort not a negative bifurcation. It is really time for change if we are going to improve our situation. If not, I am convinced that we will one day lose our position as a superpower.