“Character is destiny,” wrote the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus over 2,000 years ago. Centuries later, those words still ring true. We understand that our actions and behaviors emerge from what we are inside. When we have a strong, healthy character, we tend to make good decisions and act in ways that benefit those around us. When our character is damaged, we are more like hollow trees—stately on the outside, but full of rot and emptiness on the inside.
As generational and workforce shifts introduce emerging leaders to their first leadership opportunities, it’s tempting to think that the most important qualifications for those roles are academic, experiential, or practical. While certain skills and talents are important to any role, the most important quality for an emerging leader is something that starts developing long before any leadership role: character.
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Wisdom for Emerging Leaders: Start with Character
John Lamberton served in the U. S. Navy for 34 years, rising to the rank of Captain and concluding his service as the Chief of Staff to the Executive Director of the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. In his current civilian leadership role, he serves as a Healthcare Practice Leader for DLH Corporation, where he focuses on guiding the strategic direction, operational management, and quality improvement of healthcare services to support federal health clients and the operational readiness of the military.
Over the years, John has developed a strong sense of personal character that he displays in every role he accepts. Although John has skills and expertise that make him practically qualified for his work, he recognizes that all leadership starts with character.
In a recent keynote address to the Engineering Leadership and Innovation Institute at University of Central Florida, John shared his wisdom on the value of character in shaping one’s destiny. Here are seven principles for character-driven leadership he offered these future leaders.
1. Character establishes trust and credibility
Employees, colleagues, customers, and bosses all need to know they can count on leaders at every level, no matter what the business environment brings. Character establishes trust and credibility, which are fundamental to effective leadership. Leaders who demonstrate character during both peaceful times and challenges reassure those around them that they are dependable. That dependability inspires and motivates others in the organization, which will drive long-term success.
2. Character reflects your quiet, unseen growth
Character is not about the titles we earn or the accolades we collect. Rather, it is a reflection of the quiet, unseen work we do internally from our earliest days. We develop character in the moments where there is no audience or reward—only the choice to rise or retreat.
Winston Churchill said, “Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.” It is the valleys that deepen our core values and demand our best when no one is watching.
3. Character is consistency
Character is how we show up, day after day—not just for the milestones, but for the ordinary, unremarkable moments in life. Character gives us the discipline to do the hard things, the integrity to do them well, and the resilience to do them again tomorrow.
Athletes understand the power of habits more than many, perhaps. Marathons aren’t won on race day; they’re won over the course of months and years of consistent training that culminate in performance when it counts.
4. Character increases openness
Emerging leaders who have an unshakable foundation of character understand they can only benefit from listening to and learning from others. They know they don’t know everything, and they are open to collaboration and diverse perspectives. These leaders drive stronger team formation by communicating that other viewpoints can add value and drive business results.
5. Character encourages greater emotional intelligence (EQ)
Leaders with character will discover natural tendencies toward empathy, active listening, and self-awareness—all critical components of emotional intelligence (EQ). As a result, emotionally intelligent leaders will tend to develop into strong servant leaders—those who understand that leadership is about others, not self.
John found himself living out this principle when he had to relieve an outgoing commander on short notice. He understood that he was walking into a potentially chaotic circumstance where over 1,100 staff members would feel a sense of loss, confusion, and instability. “It was crucial for me, as the new commander, to be a role model of character by being approachable and accessible to each member,” he says. “I needed to talk the talk, but more importantly, I needed to walk the walk."
It's this kind of emotional intelligence that allows an organization to keep operating seamlessly even in times of instability.
6. Character improves leadership effectiveness
To succeed in today's complex organizational world, leaders need to develop skills in strategic thinking, effective communication, and adaptability. At the very core of these skills is character.
The elements of strong character help instill a sense of responsibility, resilience, and integrity in emerging leaders. These leaders will develop a proactive mindset that builds trust and respect. Together, these skills and behaviors shape well-rounded, principled leaders capable of navigating the complexities of today's organizational world with confidence and competence, anywhere and at any time.
Research bears these connections out. According to a 2015 study, companies with CEOs given high marks for character had an average return on assets almost five times higher than companies with CEOs given low marks.
7. Character begets character
Ultimately, leaders with strong character will set a positive example for those around them. They will be role models for continuous learning and personal and professional growth through feedback. Leaders with character can build strong relationships by practicing empathy, active listening, and clear communication. By staying true to core values and leading with integrity, they’ll establish solid foundations of effective leadership that will influence the entire organization.
Leaders who demonstrate strong character can inspire and motivate those around them, driving long-term success even in challenging times—and every era presents its own challenges, obstacles, and opportunities! As John Lamberton has demonstrated throughout his career, the skills needed to navigate a shifting environment may change, but the foundations of solid character never will. Leaders like John will be the ones to shape a destiny and legacy of business and people results.
Self-check:
- What is one thing I can do to build trust with my team?
- Is there one way I can improve my active listening skills?
- How can I be a better role model of character in my organization?
