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“Good intentions are the seeds of greatness, but they only grow when watered with action and consistency”
Manuel Corazzari
Why are we talking about Character?
In my over 35 years of working with leaders, it has been obvious to me that organizations are successful when the culture is healthy, safe, fair and explicit – what I call a Character Culture. It is equally important that the leaders are of good character. Researching this issue for my five books has proven this perspective to be true. So what does good character actually mean?
At the Heart of Character: The Importance of Being Truly Well-Meaning
At the heart of character lies the importance of being truly well-meaning. This concept transcends mere politeness or surface-level kindness; it delves into the genuine intention behind our words and actions.
Understanding True Well-Meaning
True well-meaning is rooted in authenticity, integrity, accurate information, and empathy. It involves a sincere desire to contribute positively to the lives of others without hidden agendas. The focus is on doing an evidence based, positive, right thing.
When we are truly well-meaning, our actions are driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of those around us – our customers, our team, our suppliers and our community. This authenticity fosters trust and builds strong, lasting relationships.
The Impact of Well-Meaning Actions
Actions that stem from true well-meaning have a profound impact on all concerned. These actions reinforce a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that one's efforts are making a positive difference can be incredibly rewarding.
Cultivating a Well-Meaning Character
Cultivating a well-meaning character requires self-awareness. It begins with understanding one's intentions (beliefs, principles, values and goals). Reflecting on questions such as "Why am I doing this?" and "How will this benefit others?" can help align actions with genuine intentions.
Challenges and Rewards
Being truly well-meaning is not always easy. It requires patience, resilience, and, sometimes, the courage to stand up for what is right. There may be moments when well-meaning actions are met with skepticism or resistance. However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. A well-meaning character not only enriches personal relationships but also contributes to a higher trust and a more collaborative, innovative and productive workplace.
Prove it!
Research from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) shows that companies prioritizing trust and integrity outperform competitors by increasing stakeholder loyalty, reducing risks, and improving employee alignment.¹
Harvard Business Review also notes that trust in leadership drives higher employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and improved customer satisfaction.²
A comprehensive research review by UNSW Business School reveals that successful leadership relies on environment, relationships, and inclusion rather than individual characteristics or style. The review highlights the importance of psychological safety in enabling effective leadership throughout organizations.³
These findings collectively support the idea that integrity in leadership fosters trust, sets ethical standards, and contributes to long-term success and development of future leaders. Integrity is not just about being honest; it involves a consistent alignment between one’s intentions, words, and actions, which influences positive organizational culture and drives higher performance.
An Example of Good Character
I had the pleasure of hearing José Andrés at the excellent Restaurant Canada Show this month.
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