Leadership is influence, and we each influence those around us. What type of influence would you like to create? Having a vision or purpose for life empowers actions to be executed with intent and a desired result. Leadership in action is the best way to create influence. There are two ways to influence — by reason or by force. Living with reason is fundamental to safety, education, and progress; actions without reason, morality, or understanding are dangerous.
One of the most unique characteristics we have as human beings is the ability to choose. Who is in control of your choices? Who is responsible for your emotions, intentions, and reactions? Do you have established values, a vision, or a purpose? Purpose empowers vision and the self-control of intentional choice.
My purpose is to create a peaceful and positive environment in all that I do, and I have personal values of faith, humility, vision, and character. Habits create character, and vision with action can change the world. Actions that result from vision, character, and values increase their impact and lead to peace and progress.
February’s Character Trait of the Month is Honesty
Honesty is free of deceit; it is sincere, true, dependable, loyal, and courageous; it is one of the most important characteristics. Honesty is related to respect and integrity; it is essential to a safe environment.
Why are people dishonest? Fear and/or deception is at the heart of dishonesty, and faith and grace in action create honesty. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, or how can we “know” what will happen if we don’t give honesty an opportunity to deliver truth? The truth is, but honesty requires choice. Who is responsible for your choice? Honesty has the courage to face the mistakes, hardships, and harsh truths of the past with self-control and intent, and it does not come expecting a specific outcome or expecting to control the response.
What are you doing? Who are you doing it for, and why? What is your desired result? What is hindering progress? What is your most important goal for this year? What part do you play in its outcome?
It is OK not to know and not to have all of the answers. It takes more than me to make more than me. We need other people, businesses, and organizations to maintain and improve our quality of life. Common values, goals, and objectives are important for establishing progressive partnerships, and in order to be honest with others, you must have honesty within. Do you know anyone who is perfect? That’s a rhetorical question — there is actually no way to live life perfectly. But you are talented, and you have skills that can create a great future.
What would happiness look like and feel like for you? Do you understand how your choices influence others? In your heart do you want to be a good influence or not?
The best thing you can do to help others is to improve yourself. Honesty in action and truth is honorable and progressive; it is the fundamental building block to progressive leadership. It is not perfection, but it is progression.
What is one improvement you can focus on this month? Honesty is at the heart of faith. Honesty with humility and morality creates mutual understanding and respect. It takes more than me to make more than me, and with mutual respect, we can accomplish anything. Let’s be honest. Let’s be brave. Let’s be leaders empowering leaders. When you’re at your best, everything around you is better.
I wish you a blessed month of truth and success. Thank you for the opportunity.
