Indubitably – nice word that, learnt it from Bert of Mary Poppins fame – indubitably character forms part of the foundation out of which ethics will grow – or not, as the case might be. Ethics do grow, obviously, as I exercise that particular part of my character. The problem arises in that we have good intentions (such as after our workshop) to exercise the ethics part of our lives a little more seriously and find ourselves overwhelmed by all the different facets clamouring for attention. Soon we tire ourselves out ethically speaking, just trying to keep the various balls of ethics in the air. Why?
For one we first and foremost need to concentrate on the foundations of ethics – yes, you guessed it – character. Ah, but I take offence when someone implies that I have character traits missing. Such a reaction is akin to saying that I am perfect – at least in ethics and character – and that no room for improvement exists. I propose that character and ethics, like any form of fitness, requires regular exercising to keep in shape.
Lack of regular testing – exercise – of character traits causes ethical atrophy.
With this foundation laid I want to proceed to the point of today’s gem. To be honest, I too get to yawning when character traits are paraded before me. I am human too. So when I saw Character First raising Truthfulness as a point of discussion, I knew where it was going. And then had to stifle the yawn in mid-air.
“Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts”.
Or current facts, for that matter. This had my attention in a flash. Wow. Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts. What more can I say? Meditate that a little and evaluate your performance in the light thereof.
Want to add something? Let’s hear you.
Ethics & Leader- ship 