Results are all that matter, right?
Wrong. Character matters.
Behaviour matters.
This post from a year ago seems particularly appropriate this weekend as America makes important decisions about leadership for the country. The whole world is watching and worrying. Let’s hope they get it right and do better this time.
Here’s why I think character and behaviour are important to consider. It’s not just about results or performance on the job. It’s about the way the job is done and the guiding moral and ethical principles that go beyond ego and personal self interest.
Whether you are a corporate CEO, a politician, or simply a hard-working entrepreneur or business manager, leadership performance is continuously being assessed based on the results you achieve.
But does it matter how they are achieved? Some people think not. The results are all that matter. Especially if the results are what they want and they can ignore the consequences for those that get left out. They’re wrong.
Character matters. Ethics, attitude and behaviour matter. Tactics and methods matter. Words matter.
Success for some and the desired results may appear to be achieved, regardless of the behaviour. Immoral, irresponsible, ruthless, and aggressive behaviour may even appear to have been necessary to achieve the results. Wrong again.
The apparent short-term gains will eventually be lost to long-term reactions. Those who are used and abused will get even. A legacy of accomplishment may be completely forgotten, when the true character is revealed. Just ask Bill Cosby or Harvey Weinstein. President Trump’s day of reckoning is coming too.
C’mon America, we’re counting on you.
Be better. Do better.
Your Uncle Ralph, Del Chatterson
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