In modern leadership, we often focus on hard skills, strategic planning, and technical expertise. However, at Dame Leadership, we believe that the most unique and enduring quality of a successful leader is something far more foundational: Character.
Character isn’t just a personality trait; it is a quest for excellence in how we think, interact, and lead. It is the invisible anchor that determines how an organization weathers a storm and how a team thrives in times of growth.
To help you audit your own leadership foundation, we have identified six key attributes of character. As you read through these, consider rating yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 to determine where you might need to focus your self-development efforts.
1. Intellectual Discernment
True character involves the ability to apply critical thinking skills to complex challenges. This means separating how you think about a problem from how you feel about it. High-character leaders possess an aptitude for learning and the ability to quickly discern patterns and identify distinctions that others might miss.
2. Relentless Drive and Assertiveness
Character is reflected in your ability to create a sense of urgency and maintain a goal-oriented mindset. It’s about finding ways to move through or around obstacles that block others, rather than relying on excuses for why something can’t happen. This brand of assertiveness ensures that the mission remains the priority, even when the path is difficult.
3. The Power of “Synthetic Happiness”
Referencing the work of Dan Gilbert at Harvard, we believe happiness is a character trait that involves choice. It isn’t just about fortunate circumstances; it is the ability to create “synthetic happiness”—a form of resilience often dismissed as mere rationalization, but which is actually a vital tool for staying grounded and purposeful during setbacks.
4. Empathy Over Passive-Aggression
A virtuous leadership life requires the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. This genuine regard for others is why passive-aggressive behavior is so damaging—it reflects a weak character because it is inherently malicious and seeks to undermine rather than support. Research from the Center for Creative Leadership proves that empathy is positively correlated with job performance, making it a non-negotiable trait for those who lead with purpose.
5. Reciprocity and Friendship
Leadership is not a one-way street. A strong character involves the ability to give as much as you take and to contribute as much as you benefit from a relationship. While professional circumstances change, healthy leaders maintain a spirit of reciprocity and a willingness to help others succeed, fostering deep-seated loyalty within their teams.
6. Vulnerability as a Strength
Perhaps the most demanding element of strong character is the ability to form deep bonds through vulnerability. In our coaching experience, the leaders who make the most progress the fastest are those who are comfortable exposing their fears and weaknesses in front of others.
As noted in the renowned work of Brené Brown, vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. Leaders who cannot form these intimate bonds of trust often struggle with a fundamental character flaw that limits their organizational impact.
The Character Audit: Your Next Steps
Character is the key to being a great leader. It is the differentiator that produces better results for your organization and a more purposeful life for yourself.
If you rated yourself lower than a “4” in any of these categories, don’t view it as a failure, but as a roadmap for growth. Character is not static; it is a muscle that can be strengthened through intentional practice and purposeful coaching.
Are you ready to strengthen the foundation of your leadership?
Contact us today to explore how our purposeful leadership programs can help you refine these attributes and drive sustainable results.
