We are living in a time in history where character doesn’t seem to matter as much as it used to. We see it in politics. We see it in business. We see it in sports. We see it in education. We even see it in the church. How can we keep it important and relevant in our BAM businesses?
The US post office just produced a stamp featuring legendary basketball coach John Wooden. I looked up one of his famous quotes – “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
What is Character?
A technical definition meaning is “the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.”1
What is good Character?
“Character is far more important than intellect in making a man a good citizen or successful at his calling- meaning by character not only such qualities as honesty and truthfulness, but courage, perseverance and self-reliance.” Theodore Roosevelt
The Bible has lots to say about good character with words and terms like hope and love (Romans 5:3-5); joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23); meekness, righteousness, merciful, purity (Matthew 5:3-10).
“Character counts, the character of our leaders makes a difference, and it shapes the character of our country. That’s the party I’ve come from, and I don’t recognize that in the great majority of our party today,” Mitt Romney, US Senator
How does one develop and grow good Character?
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller
“We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope…love (Romans 5:3-5).
“I believe these character traits can be nurtured and enhanced through feedback, practice, and coaching. Because character and decision making are intertwined and have a direct impact on organizational success, it stands to reason that companies should invest as much time and energy into nurturing character in their leaders as they do in developing managerial skills.”2
What is good character in a BAM business?
Let’s answer the question with personal questions.
- Do I have a habit of taking short-cuts and making compromises to save money?
- Am I totally committed to truthfulness and honesty?
- Do I pass the “New York Times Test” which means I would not be ashamed if anyone knew what I was reading or doing?
- Would my colleagues and employees say that I strive for the “fruits of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Would everyone on my team easily say I am gracious, empathetic, and caring?
- Do I have a process of guidelines for decision-making in a corrupt environment?
- Does my team feel free to talk to me about any blind spots?
- Does my decision-making align with the company values?
- Do I have an accountability partner who will ask the hard questions?
- Which of these would my closest associates say is weak or non-existent: authenticity, trustworthiness, openness?
Through feedback, coaching, practice, and modeling, BAM leaders can enhance their authenticity, integrity, courage, and all other critical attributes of character that drive a healthy organizational culture. We have to start with character, and it is the heart of our BAM company.
1 https://www.dictionary.com/browse/character
2 https://www.harvardbusiness.org/the-case-for-leadership-character/ Belcher, Feb 13, 2024
3 https://businessasmission.com/guidelines-business-ethics/
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com