Character Makes the Difference

Character Makes the Difference

"More people fail because of flaws in their character than for any other reason." Dr. D. James Kennedy

One philosopher made the observation that if the immoral but knew the value of honesty, thieves and knaves, for their own self-interests, would become honest men. You can check the record books and you will discover that all great failures are character failures and the long-term success stories are people who built their careers on character. Most experts believe that companies have the opportunity, power and responsibility to teach appropriate behavior to their people.

When character is taught in the corporate culture the benefits extend into the family as well. Our own company has experienced this as we have persuaded the companies we train to permit the families - husbands and wives - of the employees to come in and participate in the training. Results have been outstanding because it gets all the family members on the "same page."

Kate Nelson, senior fellow in ethics at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, says that there are three kinds of employees in any industry. Those she calls "good soldiers” know the rules and have a good moral compass; "loose cannons" have a good moral compass but don't know the rules. They are full of good intentions but don't read policy manuals. "Grenades" have their own agenda and their activities can blow up and devastate an organization. She points out that even "good soldiers" need steady coaching - and I like the word "steady," to which I would add "consistent." When we teach the entire company these basic concepts, we will have converted a group of wide-ranging abilities and backgrounds into a team that will produce good results. Take this approach and I'll SEE YOU - and your company - AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is known as America’s Motivator. He authored 33 books and produced numerous life-changing programs. He will be remembered as a man who lived out his faith daily.