Fake it until you make it.
If you have been in the automotive industry for any length of time this phrase is almost as well known as the definition of insanity. Unfortunately, many people in the industry actually believe that it’s possible to fake it without being perceived as a fake.
Abraham Lincoln claimed that you can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. In other words, ultimately your true character will become evident.
Leaders are repulsed by fake-ness and choose character not only in themselves, but in others. They understand that character is who you are and is a manifestation of what you truly believe. It is formed over time through the habits, actions, words, attitudes, and thoughts that have been embraced and cultivated. As such it represents a foundation that provides followers both comfort and a sense of security.
Since character and trust are closely linked, leaders carefully consider their words, attitudes and actions understanding that character is easier to maintain than it is to recover.
Most hiring manager’s talk about the importance of the three Cs (Competence, Chemistry and Character) when recruiting new staff. Chick-fil-A places a greater emphasis on character than competence, suggesting that they hire people based on aspects that can’t be taught and teach what’s missing.
Here are a few simple ways to discover a person’s character:
- Look at a person’s friends;
- Look at the way a person earns and spends their money;
- Look at how a person behaves when they don’t think anybody is watching;
- Look at how a person responds or reacts under pressure;
- Look at how a person uses power.
Final thought: If you need to choose between talent and character, consider the words of Bill Belichick, “Talent sets the floor; Character sets the ceiling.”
Herb Mast is Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.
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