Strong Service Character vs. Self-Serving
When referring to one’s character, we must realize that character can be entirely self-serving, in service to others, or somewhere in between. “Character” doesn’t automatically mean someone is nice or cooperative or supportive of others. By observing others’ plans, decisions, and actions, we can easily interpret to what degree they are kind and in service to others.
Your character is always showing! I define character as the moral or ethical quality that an individual brings to every plan, decision, and action.
Today, what our families and communities and workplaces need from each of us is strong service character.
Strong service character means that a person demonstrates kindness and service to others in every interaction. The person validates others’ efforts and accomplishments. He or she listens and learns, willingly, to help communities and relationships thrive.
Each of us needs to demonstrate strong service character daily, with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers.
And, demonstrating strong service character is hard.
Strong service character may require us to challenge our assumptions. Old ways and solutions may not apply in our workplaces or communities. Younger generations bring different:
- Desires
- Goals
- Preferences
- Fears etc.
Over time, these change how our workplaces and communities operate.
Strong service character may require difficult decisions, having to choose between opposing yet equally good ideas, each with enthusiastic proponents.
When referring to one’s character, we must realize that character can be entirely self-serving, in service to others, or somewhere in between.
When members of your family or company or community or church or school align to values like integrity, service, and excellence, people bring their best selves to every opportunity, to every interaction, and to every challenge.
When people are NOT aligned to values like integrity, service, or excellence, they bring their worse selves. They’ll live in alignment to their self-serving values. We shouldn’t be surprised when they act in ways that make themselves look better than everyone else.
Everyone’s character is showing! People with self-serving character ensure they win while others lose. Their character embraces the “three D’s” –
- Dismissing
- Demeaning
- Discounting others.
They spend time and energy making themselves look good while making others look bad.
Pay attention to character. Ensure you embrace values like integrity, service, and excellence – and surround yourself with others who do the same.
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